Managing Divorce
Divorce Can Be Successfully Managed
In the 1980s, divorce reached the status of what family scientists call a "normative event," which means it was accepted a common part of the life cycle experience for most Americans. Divorce ends 50 percent of most first marriages, and 61 to 65% of second marriages. Statistically, the divorce cycle consists of marriage, divorce, remarriage, and re-divorce. This is one reason why premarital agreements, or prenups, are increasingly common and important.
The United States has the highest rate of marriages in the industrialized world. 90% of Americans have a first marriage, and 70 percent have a second marriage. We also have the highest divorce rates overall.
The majority of divorces are initiated by women (70%). One reason why is that there is little historical and social support for the idea of equal-partnership marriages. For instance, the lack of affordable child care, workplace demands (more women are working than ever before), and gender biases towards hetero relationships including the traditional primacy of men within the family hierarchy, can mean that couples are playing out old roles which really ignore what is happening in their lives, and in our culture, today.
This is bound to create tension and conflict.
Accordingly, family scientists today describe divorce and its aftermath in terms of the interruption and dislocation of the traditional family life cycle. This causes a profound disequilibrium that impacts all of the family members, including grandparents and children, since there are shifts, gains, and losses in family membership.
A good example is what happens to extended families - especially in-laws - when they are cut out of the family organization by one or both spouses upon divorce. Since remarriage is so common, new "blended" families are created, and these relationships may too one day be severed upon relationship breakup, and so on and on.
Thus, divorce is a common transitional crisis that interrupts family structure for most of us. As in other kinds of family crisis (death, serious illness, job loss), the key that determines whether the crisis is transitional or has permanent crippling impact is whether it is handled emotionally in an adequate way within the family system. If divorce is handled well emotionally and financially, family members and particularly children, may exhibit temporary symptoms of distress and behavioral manifestations of high anxiety over months or even a few years.
Clients would benefit from exploring their choices.
Family scientists have demonstrated that if the crisis of divorce is satisfactorily resolved, there are few if any long term observable or testable differences due to having been part of a divorced family.If it is not satisfactorily resolved, as with high conflict breakups, then it can lead to chronic personal and family dysfunction and infect children in their own lives for years to come....
Testimonials & Endorsements
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“Not only is Mr. Peterson’s knowledge of the law beyond measure, he’s able to articulate it so it’s understandable.”
If you are going through a divorce, Arnold & Peterson is in my opinion the best option available. Mr. Peterson and his assistant Jordyn are top notch. Not only is Mr. Peterson’s knowledge of the law beyond measure, he’s able to articulate it so it’s understandable. He was able to navigate my emotions and help my uphill battle to receive proper visitation as a father. Jordyn never hesitated to reach out within the same business day if documents were needed or for any question I had about the process. Thanks to the team, we resolved the divorce healthfully. I couldn’t be more grateful.- Josh Arguijo -
“I needed the best analysis and advice possible. I found Attorney Thurman Arnold III in Palm Springs.”
I am a Veteran and Retired Deputy Sheriff. My divorce involved complicated property distribution and spousal support issues. I spent considerable time looking for the best Counsel I could find before I negotiated with my ex-wife and her Attorney. In fact, my case was in another county, but that didn't matter. I needed the best analysis and advice possible. I found Attorney Thurman Arnold III in Palm Springs. Attorney Arnold is a BAR Certified Family Law Specialist. In my humble opinion the best! His review of my case and how "Moore Marsden" property division applied was invaluable. His guidance saved me $30,000 dollars. Thank you, Thurman!- Jeff Jones -
“Mike is adept at managing expectations and being very fair and measured.”
Needed to modify a settlement and hired Mike Peterson. Mike is very, very knowledgeable and experienced. When you are going through a divorce or child custody issues, it is the most terrifying and stressful experience. Mike is adept at managing expectations and being very fair and measured. I wish I had hired him initially to get it all done straight the first time around. He is very responsive and communicative and understands the client well. Good luck going through this process - have a good guide like Mike without a doubt.- Donika McKelvie -
“I would highly recommend him and the firm”
Micheal Peterson is very knowledgeable of law and can help you make the best decisions for your family. He does is job with integrity. He helps with giving discounts when he can . I would highly recommend him and the firm . Very good staff .- Vincent Hall -
“Very professional, honest, and handled everything without a hiccup.”
Arnold & Peterson are a class act. Very professional, honest, and handled everything without a hiccup. When a year had passed, he and Jordyn contacted me to let me know I still had retainer on the books! I had forgot and they sent me the money anyway! For this I am very grateful and cannot recommend them enough. You won’t go wrong with Thurman Arnold. He is definitely the guy to have on your side.- Matt Feenstra -
“Simply the Best of the Best!!!”
I Highly Recommend Michael C. Peterson at the Law Office of Thurman W. Arnold!!! I hired Michael for my custody case and he is very knowledgeable and took the time to educate me on the process so we can put together a winning strategy. He fought for me and my children in court and successfully won our case. There are no words to describe how grateful and appreciative I am for Michaels service!!! If you are sitting on the fence on which Attorney to hire, do yourself a favor and hire Michael. I would not recommend anyone else!!! Simply the Best of the Best!!!- John and Lukes Tube -
“Mike amazes me by his knowledge of my case, made me feel like I was his only client.”
- Damaris M.I reached out to this law firm 2 years ago when my life was falling apart. My case was assigned to attorney Michael Peterson. I didn't know much about him except few reviews on google but I'm glad I hit the jackpot. Mike amazes me by his knowledge of my case, made me feel like I was his only client. He's very responsive, respectful and and goes above and…
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“He and Michael Peterson are truly masters of their craft.”
When my clients have family law issues, I routinely refer them to Thurman Arnold. He and Michael Peterson are truly masters of their craft. Family law can be an unwieldy beast, but they handle it with precision and finesse.- Edward Cross
