There are many complex components to a divorce. Of course, there is the emotional aspect of accepting the changes in your life. There is also a practical aspect to planning for those changes. One of the biggest parts of a divorce, though, is the financial aspect—you need to be able to afford the impending changes. Negotiating a settlement in your divorce is the best way to ensure your financial stability and security.
Unpleasant financial shocks can accompany divorce
When people in Michigan decide to divorce, the financial aspects of the end of a marriage can carry with them some unpleasant surprises. In one recent survey, around 46 percent of divorced women said that they encountered major surprises about family finances during the divorce process. The survey included 1,785 women who were either divorced or in the divorce process, one-fifth of whom were age 55 or older. The respondents noted some common themes as the source of financial shocks during divorce.
Vehicle deaths at highest rate since 2007
There were approximately 40,100 motor vehicle fatalities throughout the United States in 2017. This was the second straight year in which there were more than 40,000 such deaths in the country. The 2017 estimated fatality figure was 8 percent higher than it was in 2015, and vehicle fatalities are at their highest since 2007. Part of the reason for the increase is more vehicles on roads in Michigan and across the country.
Data suggests distracted driving risks spike in summer months
Accidents related to distracted driving can occur anytime in Michigan. However, a recent analysis of the behaviors of 20,000-plus drivers suggests that people spend more time looking at their devices while behind the wheel from June through August. Findings from the analysis, which was commissioned by a major insurance company and a leading smartphone telematics platform, shows that summertime drivers are distracted for nearly 15 minutes per each hour spent driving. This is about 10 percent higher than what's typical during other times of the year.
Increase in pedestrian deaths blamed on distracted driving
Distracted driving is responsible for the sharp increase in pedestrian deaths that has occurred in Michigan and elsewhere over past decade according to traffic safety experts. Cellphones and vehicle infotainment systems appear to be the top culprits.
