Each successive generation has its own take on marriage. They buck the conventions of their parents and grandparents to leave their own imprint on the rite. The millennial generation is no different. Of course, millennials are marital trailblazers in more than one way, but one of their most striking departures is found in their embrace of a once-taboo agreement – the prenuptial agreement or “prenup.” A prenuptial agreement is a contract between soon-to-be-married parties that delineates financial rights in the event of divorce. In the past, the prenup was misunderstood as an affront to the sanctity of marriage, but younger generations see it differently, here is why:

Marriage As a Practical Matter

In times gone by, marriage was a sacred institution steeped in cultural significance – millennials perceive it differently.

They see marriage as a practical matter, in the same vein as choosing a university or career. This business-like mindset means millennials have less issue flaunting cultural norms. People have backup plans in every other facet of life, so why not in marriage?

When parents get divorced in Illinois, they must decide how to share parenting duties after the split. Divorcing spouses without children can walk away from a divorce and never speak to each other again if they choose to. However, divorced parents are typically still involved in each other’s lives – even if they would rather not be. A strong co-parenting relationship can dramatically reduce the stress of divorce on children, however, productive co-parenting is difficult when parents do not see eye to eye on parenting issues. Fortunately, there are many different co-parenting strategies to choose from.  

Parallel Parenting May Be the Best Way to Reduce Conflict

Parental arguments can have a profound psychological impact on children. Studies show that parental conflict can lead to poor performance in school, behavior problems, and even physical ailments like stomachaches. However, some parents simply cannot communicate without the discussion turning into an argument. In this case, the parents may want to try parallel parenting. In a parallel parenting scenario, the parents rarely communicate with each other and do not approach parenting collaboratively. Some divorced couples find that parallel parenting helps reduce conflict and stress on them and their children.

Birdnesting May Provide Children the Stability They Need

Raising children in two different households can be confusing and frustrating. Keeping track of homework, science fair projects, sports equipment, toys, and other child-related items can drive parents crazy. Furthermore, many children struggle to adapt to a two-home living arrangement – especially if they have learning difficulties or disabilities such as autism.

Being a parent is already challenging. Co-parenting with someone to whom you used to be married can be even more difficult. If you are recently separated or divorced and you intend to share parental responsibilities and parenting time, you may be looking for ways to make the co-parenting process easier for you and your children. Fortunately, co-parenting is not what it used to be. In the age of smartphones, social media, and video chatting, there are more ways than ever to hone your co-parenting approach and improve your relationship with your children.

Use an Online Calendar to Keep Track of Your Parenting Time Schedule  

Google Calendar, Calendly, and iCloud Calendar are just some of the many online calendars you can utilize to organize parenting time. Although your parenting plan will describe a parenting time schedule, everyone knows that circumstances change. Inevitably, a parent may need to trade days. Keep track of parenting time schedules, school events, birthday parties, and other events using a shared online calendar.

Consider a Co-Parenting Application

Did you know that there are smartphone applications designed to help co-parents manage child-related schedules and information? Apps like Cozi, WeParent, Coparently, and OurFamilyWizard allow parents to keep track of to-do lists, child-related expenses, schedules, and other important information. Using an app like this ensures that both parents have access to the information needed. Furthermore, digital communication can minimize potentially stressful phone calls or in-person discussions between co-parents who do not get along.

A divorce is already a difficult ordeal. If you are suspicious that your spouse may be hiding assets, it can make the process even more stressful. Although hiding assets is unethical and illegal, it occurs more frequently than you may like to think. Some spouses may attempt to conceal certain assets to reduce how much they have to pay or to spite their partner. In this situation, it is critical to speak to a skilled divorce attorney promptly.

Different Ways Spouses Can Hide Assets

Spouses who want to get out of paying their fair share in a divorce may use a variety of tactics to hide their assets, such as:

• Establish fake debt - In an effort to hide assets, some spouses may work with family members or friends to create fake debt. The spouse will then make payments to them because they know that they will get their money back once the divorce is over.

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Divorce is one of the most stressful life experiences that a person can go through. Adults have a difficult enough time coping with divorce, but children who do not fully understand the situation can have an even harder time coping with the huge changes that come with divorce. Children often feel as if their entire world is changing when their parents divorce, and they may react with mood or behavioral issues, which can be both frustrating and saddening for parents. While you cannot change the way that your child feels, you can teach them healthy ways of coping with their feelings.

How You Can Help Your Children

Children experience divorce differently than adults, and it can be difficult for them to cope with the stresses that come with it, especially if they have not yet developed any coping mechanisms of their own. Here are a few things you can do to help your child with this life change:

• Make your conversations age-appropriate. Children understand things differently depending on their age and maturity level. Younger children will not be able to understand the complexities of the divorce, while older children may want to know specific details. You do not have to tell your children every last detail of your divorce, but you should try to give them enough information to make sense of the situation.

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