Cordell & Cordell Senior Litigation Partner Kelly L. Burris was recently quoted in a story published in Financial Planning Magazine about going through divorce during an economic downturn.
Over the last seven months, the S&P 500 index has lost nearly 20 percent of its value stoking fears of a possible recession.
“Divorce during a recession can be hard,” Ms. Burris said. “If you’re the monied party and you can afford a divorce, this is a good time to get a divorce. If you aren’t, this isn’t a great time to do it.”
Ms. Burris also noted that the spouse who earns less is often more interested in security over speculation and prefers receiving cash and real estate in a divorce settlement, which can be costly for the other party.
“The person who isn’t getting the house gets more in investments,” Ms. Burris said. “They have less value in a recession but more ability to bounce back when the economy eventually recovers.” Agreeing to receive fewer investments but more cash gives a divorcing spouse fewer possibilities for future growth.
Written by Joseph E. Cordell
Joseph E. Cordell is the Principal Partner at Cordell and Cordell, P.C., which he founded in 1990 with his wife, Yvonne. Over the past 25 years, the firm has grown to include more than 100 offices in 30 states, as well as internationally in the United Kingdom. Mr. Cordell is licensed to practice in the states of Illinois and Missouri and received his LL.M. from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Joseph E. Cordell was named one of the Top 10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Missouri.
