So you had a whirlwind romance that blossomed quickly into full-blown love… but the honeymoon is over, and you’re considering scheduling an appointment with a Durham divorce lawyer. Now your short marriage is headed towards a quick divorce.
It’s tough to determine how to divide property, figure out spousal support and create a fair child custody agreement in any divorce; a divorce after a short-term marriage is no different. Your attorney will get to know you and get a clear picture of the aspects that make your case unique in order to make sure your rights are protected under North Carolina law.
Short-Term Marriage and Divorce: Not So Uncommon
It happens more often than you might think: some celebrities, like Britney Spears, only stay married for a matter of hours (she filed for divorce after 55 hours of marriage); others, like Nicolas Cage, wait 107 days before starting the process.
These infamous short-term marriages aside, you probably know a handful of people who divorced after a few months—although they may not make it public knowledge. According to the US Census Bureau, 11.5 percent of marriages that took place from 1995 to 1999 never made it to their fifth anniversary, and it’s safe to assume those numbers have risen in recent years.
The Emotional Aftermath of a “Short” Marriage
Whether you were married a month, a year or more, divorce hurts. Compound that with insensitive family and friends who might disapprove or say, “I told you so,” and you’re caught in a tough spot if you endured a short marriage. Your Durham divorce lawyer might recommend that you talk to a counselor or therapist so you have an outlet for your frustrations and so you can begin to pick up the pieces and start over.
Special Considerations for Short-Term Marriages
People in short-term marriages generally have less time to accumulate joint property, have children or contribute large amounts of money into joint accounts. However, your lawyer will need to know all the details, including when and why you got married in order to give you accurate legal advice. He or she will ask about your income, your soon-to-be ex’s income and your employment status, too. You’ll also need to make a list of the property you had going into the marriage and what you expect to take going out.
Many people get excessively anxious about divorcing after a short-term marriage. Remember, your Durham divorce lawyer is there to protect your rights under North Carolina law; as long as you provide accurate and truthful information, your attorney can help you through the process so you can rebuild your life.
