On behalf of Ronald H. Kauffman, P.A. posted in Divorce on Monday, December 3, 2012.
A “starter marriage” is a marriage that ended in divorce before age 30, had no children and few assets or debts. Hollywood (California) tends to have a lot of starter marriages. The divorce rate leveled off in the 1990s – from about 50% of new marriages to about 43% currently. However, USA Today reports that a 2001 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 20% of divorces in first marriages now occur within five years.
Some of the risk factors for having a starter marriage:
The divorces of parents.” Parents didn’t serve as role models for staying together.
Lack of guidance from parents. Aware that they themselves had divorced, parents backed off talking about what makes marriage work.
Immaturity. Rushing to the altar.
Pressure to marry We may have a “marriage culture” that promotes “matrimania.”
Fortunately, the divorce of a Starter Marriage is much simpler and less expensive. Florida has a procedure for a simplified dissolution of marriage which people in starter marriages may be able to use. This simplified procedure may be used when:
The marriage cannot be saved;
There are no minor or dependent children, and the wife is not pregnant;
You have agreed to divide the things that you both own and owe;
No one is seeking alimony;
You have filed, or waived filing, financial affidavits;
You are willing to give up your right to trial and appeal;
You and your spouse are willing to jointly sign a divorce petition;
You and your spouse are both willing to go to the final divorce hearing;
If you do not meet these criteria, you have to file a regular petition for divorce. If you have any doubts or questions, ask a Florida board certified specialist in family and marital law.