The 5 best times to get divorced

After you've built excellent credit scores is one of them.

By Stacy Johnson Sep 27, 2011 9:58AM

This post comes from Daniela Baker at partner site Money Talks News.

 

Divorces are difficult for everyone involved -- not just because of the emotional turmoil, but also the financial toll. Thankfully, both partners can take some steps to come out of the proceedings in the best financial situation possible.

 

Much of it depends on timing.

 

I hope there's no divorce in your future, but if there might be, here are the five best situations to start from, along with the reasons why:

 

When there's minimal credit card debt. Prior to deciding on divorce, you'll want to get a complete financial picture of your household, including all joint and individual debts. This is especially important if you are living in a community property state.

 

Community property laws vary by state but some states view debts as well as assets as community property. So if your spouse has accumulated quite a bit of credit card debt during your marriage, you could be held legally responsible for those debts. If he or she decides to stop making payments on those cards, you might have to pay. Fail to do so, and your credit could take a serious hit. Post continues after video.

When it's a seller's market. Unless you've determined that one of you will get the house as part of the divorce settlement, you'll be in a much better financial situation if you divorce during a seller's market -- a period of strong prices. This will help get the most money from the sale of the house, so you can cover all mortgages and have money left over to split.

If it's a shaky economy and housing prices are in decline -- as they've been in many parts of the country for the last few years -- try to agree that one of you get the house as part of the settlement. This way, neither of your savings accounts will take a hit for having to cover the difference between the sales price and the remaining loans.

 

When you have good credit scores. People who have poor credit histories are likely to see their credit scores get worse during divorce. This is because bills may be missed while the settlement is in limbo. If you will be moving out of your current home, you will want decent credit scores to rent or purchase a new home. And if your ex is getting the car, you'll need good scores to purchase a new ride of your own. (Estimate your credit score for free.)
 
Prior to receiving an inheritance. This is another important factor for couples who live in community property states. While these laws do vary by state, for the most part they don't apply to future assets. This means that if you come into an inheritance prior to divorce, you may need to split the assets with your spouse during the divorce. But if you receive an inheritance after a divorce is finalized, it's likely that all of the assets will remain in your possession.
 
When your children are in high school. Obviously, there's never perfect timing for divorce when children are involved. However, when finances are taken into account, high school may be the best time. One spouse will likely be ordered to pay child support, but it will only be in effect for a couple of years. And the divorce may actually help when it comes to financial aid for college. Some forms ask only for the income information of the parent with whom the child resides for the majority of the time.

 

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20Comments
manofconviction
Sep 27, 2011 4:48PM
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Even if you're not Christian or if you are very skeptical about this Christianity thing, I encourage you to watch 2 movies; fireproof and a vow to cherish. It will show you that the best thing for all of us (married people and men, in particular) to stay loyal to our wives, REGARDLESS.

Once we start compromising in the little things, it will become the norm to treat our spouses as commodities instead of precious human beings. The true freedom is to value and cherish our spouses and be committed to our vows, otherwise, it is chaos.

Lastly, believe it or not, our children are watching us (not how we accumulate wealth and go up the corporate ladder) but how we treat our spouses with respect and dignity.

BELIEVE ME, THEY ARE WATCHING US. The best legacy and inheritance to leave behind is building their character for them to grow up with honor and virtue.

May God use my comment for His glory.

justsayn0k
Sep 27, 2011 3:23PM
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The best time to get a divorce???? Really?  Damn, what happpened to death do you part?  In todays world of the quick fix and lack of commitment divorce is very prominant unfortunately.  You can tell where this writer is coming from becuase it just all about the money....
1234whatwefigtinfor
Sep 27, 2011 5:36PM
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"The best time to get a divorce???? Really?  Damn, what happpened to death do you part?  In todays world of the quick fix and lack of commitment divorce is very prominant unfortunately.  You can tell where this writer is coming from becuase it just all about the money...."

 

 

I think that is why the article is from Money Talks News?

 

 

The Hoff
Sep 27, 2011 3:56PM
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Well after 30 years this wasn't a "quick fix" for me or a lack of commitment and it was "till death do us part" in the Book I follow. I can only say never say never, even though it wasn't my choice I didn't file doesn't mean I was paying attention. I wasn't and it pretty much in most marriages is about the money. As this so called "recession" that is more like a plague on our nation has put financial strain on the best of us. We are forced to see the "love" we have for one another and as comman throughout history when the going gets tough the weak (takers) turn and run with the goods. I am not saying everyone is like that but even in cases where one partner is disabled or critically sick the other partner turns and runs. I found that when I lost my job after 30 years and put 3 kids through college that the whole bunch are heartless and money makes or breaks the "best of relationships" that's why there are so many gold diggers abounding nothing new under the sun. Life is good on your own if you can live in your own skin and aren't a needy person too. Needy people suck men or women!
Cottonsurfer
Sep 27, 2011 5:16PM
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This article seems to go with todays society. I have friends that have been divorced 2-3 times. I agree in many cases their marriage was volatile, but geez sometimes people's picker's are screwed up. My feelings are somehow an agreement has been replaced by a committment. This means years (7-12) to help you realize things about your spouse. If you are planning to marry that means you are willing to take the person just the way they are.
Ken45
Sep 27, 2011 4:32PM
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Ok... I don't believe this is a good article to post. There isn't really a good divorce at anytime, so I intend to stay married. I honestly believe you shouldn't say I do if you mean I do until something is wrong, tthen it's I don't.....

husbandsthatcheat
Sep 27, 2011 7:54PM
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Well, all of you can agree or disagree on divorce, but when the husband CHEATS for 27 yrs of marriage with his x girlfriend,then you do get a divorce ,I married for the long haul,bad,good,sick, health,etc. But apparently he did not, so you cannot blame me for getting a divorce now. Kids are over 18. He wants to stay with the family,but he says he did not think about the family when he was with ow( 8 yrs older than him), and he screwed  with a 25 yr old as well. I don't think anywhere - it says no divorce if this happens, forgiveness does not work either,where do you start?     

spoiledamerican
Sep 27, 2011 6:40PM
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Like most topics each situation and marriage is unique and I would never judge any one too harshly for divorcing. That being said, I will be celebrating my 21rst anniversary next month.

The article is fitting for the times we live in as divorce is so commonplace, and people contemplating a divorce, do need as much information as they can get. Finances are very important. Poverty sucks. I think this article is important for today's society

 

ant619
Sep 27, 2011 7:29PM
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No one is advertising or promoting divorce.... you people are blind to the reason of this article... We all know divorce happens, I was divorced once and am now married to a wonderful women.  What this article is about is the fact that IF divorce is in the works and there is no way you can fix it than these are the best times to do so....
bevy414
Sep 27, 2011 6:18PM
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So funny! I guess no one will be getting a divorce anytime soon - b'c there's NO sellers market out there. ha ha - STAY MARRIED ALL!
spoiledamerican
Sep 27, 2011 6:54PM
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I completely agree that divorce should be a last resort...but that is not what the article is about. The reality is, whether we approve or disapprove, people divorce.A lot. And finances are a real life concern and necessity. So as a mother of three and married 21years, I see this article as not"pro-divorce...an​d here is how"...I see it as a necessary topic, aimed towards the reality, that divorce does and will continue to happen.

Cottonsurfer
Sep 27, 2011 7:35PM
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Would like to know since this article is from the "Money Talks News" side of of MSN (thank you Daniela Baker) and they are talking about divorce . . . just how much money is a marriage worth. Do you sell it after it has matured? Are we teaching to marry for money? I would hope that there are other things that are more tangible about a relationship than money. I know I have some tangibles. We got married when we had no money. Now have a teenager and no money. I would like to retire and have lots of money. Tell me how to do that.
UCFgirl04
Sep 27, 2011 7:48PM
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I don't understand why there are so many people criticizing this article. Although divorce should never be the easy way out, we must be realistic that nowadays it is too common. Because it is so common, the more educated couples are about their options the better everyone can come out of the situation. It is a FACT that financial hardship comes from a divorce. It is no secret. Let us welcome the wisdom of those who had to endure and go through this tough lesson.

Instead of fighting an informative article, take the time at home to make sure that the proper values are being given to children. That young adults know that marriage is a serious commitment both emotionally and financially. But above all, to know that it takes dedication to endure the obstacles that marriage will face through the years and courage to know when it is time to let it go. To do the selfless thing for both parties involved and search for what is healthy for both, even if that means divorce.

MarriedGuy
Sep 27, 2011 6:37PM
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Dear MSN,

Thank you for encouraging poor values by featuring this on your news page, and giving people ridiculous, shallow financial reasons to divorce someone they love, instead of working through the hard times and being even happier. It appears that you and whoever wrote this article believe that money can buy happiness. It is a sad day when articles like this are featured on a high traffic news site. Family values are disappearing faster than our Nations money! Good grief, try posting ways to improve our Nation, rather than destroy it.


V.0.R
Oct 17, 2011 12:17PM
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"Never" sounds like a good time to me.
midnite_rambler
May 27, 2012 9:30PM
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There are some things in life a person 'Has' to do. Why stay in a loveless or sexless marriage?
Money and finances play a role in every life for everyone.  My situation isn't all that bad......we don't have children and our finances are ok....house paid off, no huge debts (that i'm aware of) ???
She says she 'found' a better fit.....someone more like her.......someone who 'understands her ?
What can i do when she says she found her   'soul mate' ?     Not much i can do...really.....it is
what it is..    She broke the marriage vows and, cheated on me....i feel i owe her nothing. i'm planning on keeping all that i have earned.  She elected to cheat and move on......let her new
'soul mate take care of her...thats what she wants......yet people still think she is entitled to half
of what we own ?....Hogwash.....I won't let attorneys take whats mine.....so she can go off w/ her new guy ?   She needs to feel the pain that cheating brings.
comments96
Sep 27, 2011 6:46PM
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Why would someone try to promote divorce? Even if you are going through a really tough time i think that you should resolve your problems!! Unless you are being physically abused or mistreated by your spouse or the marriage is dangerous then, stick to it and seek help. The ones who really get hurt from a divorce are children. Why would you make the choice to hurt them? I have a friend whose dealing with this right now, and that person is going through a really tough time, because of the parents. How bout choosing the right person the first time and just being more careful. I also(like someone else said) think that you should watch Fireproof if you are considering a divorce. In today's society its normal and common to get divorced, but it really shouldn't be this way. Let's learn how to accept our spouses just as they are, knowing that we're not perfect either. Love isn't finding a perfect person, its seeing an imperfect person perfectly! (:

Someone
Oct 18, 2011 12:49AM
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Whatever happened to for "richer or poorer, better or worse"? My husband told me I dont give him enough money, even though he makes 3 times as much as I do. Since I didnt make enough money, he didnt think I was worthy of gifts or affection or anything a loving husband would do for his wife.

I guess he is a male whore if he has to be paid for those things.

Good Riddance to him!!

Everything else was taken
Nov 8, 2011 1:23AM
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I find this incredibly cynical, and believe that there must be a way to present this kind of information without needing to talk out of both sides of one's mouth ("Oh of course, I really hope you don't / but if you're gonna, here's five different ways...)
nascarrunner
Sep 27, 2011 7:51PM
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Unless of physical abuse or infidelity, divorce should not be an option, however, since this article is about money, let’s propose this.  To get married, both sides have to put up $20,000.00.  Let’s say over 7 years (7 year itch theory), this $40,000 matures to $250,000, this is to be split up to how many family members (ex: Husband, Wife, 2 children).  Whoever gets custodial rights, that money for the children is put into another account to grow until the child is 18.  This will be an encouragement to keep couples out of financial trouble.  Also, any assets that are accumulated during the marriage are split 50/50, period, no thing as community property.  Treat marriage like a business, because, that is what marriage has become, a business for both man and woman.

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