Is a divorce something that can, or should, be planned for “privately” — before one’s spouse realizes the end is near? Should married people evaluate their situation vis-a-vis the death of their spouse, versus their situation after a divorce? Perhaps these considerations while pretending to be in a “good” marriage are a bit duplicitous — but it is naive to suggest that it doesn’t happen, or shouldn’t be done.

As difficult as it is to accept (even for divorce lawyers)- the reality is that the divorce business is EXPLODING – divorce has become an accepted way of life. Despite the fact that, matrimonial attorneys, make their living ending people’s marriages – there is something inherently disturbing about the thought of a divorce entering the mind-set of the happy couple before wedding day. But it is even more disturbing to accept that people think about divorce while they are living together as husband and wife, without telling their spouse. But people do think of these things– prenuptial agreements are common practice, and are enforceable. An agreement negotiated during the marriage may even be enforceable. An agreement that induces reconciliation in a substantially deteriorated marital relationship will be enforced if fair and equitable.And, of course, property settlement agreements, negotiated and entered into at the end of a marriage in contemplation of divorce are enforceable.

For all practical purposes, the negotiating and signing of a premarital agreement (if done properly) settles the terms of the divorce before the wedding day. A mid-marriage agreement may resolve the parties’ financial issues. A reconciliation agreement made in good faith, that is fair and reasonable, and that resuscitates a dying marriage, sets forth clearly the conditions entered into for the marriage to continue. The property settlement agreement is made while technically in the adversarial mode — each party participating in the negotiations, resolving issues relating to the end of their marriage. All documents are up front — both parties participating in their fate. But the idea of secretly planning for a possible divorce — well that sends chills up even the most cynical of us — it’s just plain “creepy”.

SecretDivorce shows you EXACTLY what to do and watch out for

• AFTER THE HONEYMOON IS OVER– BUT BEFORE YOU LET YOUR SPOUSE IN ON THE SECRET
• Including – Issues to Address Prior to the Filing of a Divorce Complaint
• AFTER THE SECRET IS OUT & THE COMPLAINT IS FILED
• Now It’s Over! – We have issues to Address After a Divorce Judgment is Entered

We hope that reading this makes you stop and think about smarter secret approaches to improving your marital situation – and urge you to look beyond the obvious issues during those first arguments, or conversations. And never underestimate the impact, and benefit, of planning and preparing in secret!