Think divorcing in your 20s is easy? Think again

There are many things that seem easier for people of a certain age. But the fact is that we never really know how easy or difficult something is for others. For instance, as this article on The Huffington Post points out, there are many misconceptions people have about people who divorce at a young age. Some people think it’s easy; others think it is the result of a careless, immature decision to marry too young.

The truth, however, is that divorce in your 20s, or any age for that matter, is complicated and difficult. If you are in your 20s or 30s and divorcing, you should be prepared for some very real challenges you may have to face.

Some of these challenges could include:

• A lack of understanding from your peers
• Balancing legal obligations and meetings with school or work
• Being stigmatized by others who assume your decision to marry was flippant
• Reassessing your financial future
• Having to move out of your home or sell it
• Coming to terms with the end of a relationship you expected to last forever
• Figuring out parenting plans if you are expecting a child or have a baby
• Deciding who will keep your pets

It is important to note that divorcing at a younger age can allow you to avoid some elements of divorce in certain situations. For instance, if you don’t have kids, you won’t have to worry about custody; if you don’t have extensive marital assets or debts, then the process of dividing assets could be fairly straightforward.

This does not mean your divorce will be easy. While there may be fewer legal logistics to work out, you can still struggle enormously with the social, emotional and financial aftermath of a split.

With all this in mind, we encourage people of any age who are getting divorced to have the support and guidance of an attorney. Legal representation can alleviate some of the stress you may be carrying to help you get through a divorce and walk away with a fair settlement.