Graduation season is upon us. I am preparing to launch my firstborn from high school into the next phase of his life. It is an exciting time.
Comprehensive empty nest divorce preparation starts with preparing for empty nest divorce realities like a divorce after kids leave home, reviewing empty nest divorce finances, setting fair spousal support empty nest, carefully dividing assets long marriage, talking through adult children and divorce, deciding on selling family home after divorce, tackling retirement planning empty nest divorce, and gauging true emotional readiness empty nest divorce.
It is also a time of significant shifts in family dynamics. For many partners in a marriage who are watching their only child, or their youngest child, leave “the nest,” it is not uncommon for this season of life to bring with it a period of contemplation and a yearning for something else. For some couples, this may mean reinvesting in their marriage.
Our friends at The Marriage Place (www.TheMarriagePlace.com) have suggestions for people who want to avoid divorce and reengage in their marriage. However, the reality is that for many couples, an empty nest is the opportune time for closing a chapter and beginning a new chapter by ending a marriage.
An empty nest divorce, that is one that is undertaken after the children have left the nest seems simpler at first glance: you don’t have to worry about the parenting plan part of the divorce decree, you don’t have to negotiate possession schedules or child support, and you don’t have to fret about custody evaluations and third parties prying into the intimate details of your family life.
However, empty nest divorces can be very challenging. While we do not have legally mandated provisions that have to be included in the decree for adult children, there are still questions that have to be answered. Who will pay for college expenses? How will we cover medical expenses for our adult children? What about car expenses for adult children? Or continuing support for their daily living expenses? What if an adult child has special needs – will that be considered and accounted for?
There is also the fact that for many facing the empty nest, the retirement years are right around the corner, or may already have arrived! How will retirement assets be valued and divided? Is spousal maintenance an option?
Frequently at this stage of life, one or both spouses may have a significant asset involving ownership in a business. How will that asset be divided? If the business is co-owned, will that arrangement continue post-divorce? Will the business be sold, or will one party buy out the other?
With careful planning, we can help make the transition through the “empty nest divorce” simpler for everyone. If you, or someone you know, is contemplating a divorce after the children have left the nest, we would love to meet and help answer some of these questions based on your unique circumstances. Contact Hargrave Family Law and schedule a time to talk with a family law professional; we’re here to help.
Compassionate Dallas Divorce Attorney, Jennifer Hargrave
Dallas Divorce Resources
- Empty Nest Syndrome: What’s Next?
- Divorce and Empty Nest
- Life After Divorce
- Moving On After Divorce
- Dating After Divorce
- Learning to Grab Your Joy
- Hope & Healing – Podcast
- Coping With Divorce – Strategies
Don’t Face This Alone – We’re Here to Help
Hargrave Family Law – Compassionate Dallas Divorce Lawyers
Hargrave Family Law was founded by Dallas divorce lawyer Jennifer Hargrave with a strong mission in mind. Using non-adversarial techniques, our firm advocates for you during this challenging life transition in a way that helps you protect what matters most. Reach out to our team of compassionate Dallas divorce lawyers at Hargrave Family Law for the support you need to navigate divorce and other family law matters. We offer a complimentary case evaluation to start your journey with us. Together, we will work towards safeguarding the happiness and well-being of your family, allowing you to write your next chapter with hope.
