The New York Times and New York Magazine each report that the uncertain financial markets could lead to a “bull market” for divorce. The periodicals report that wealthy clients in the financial-services industry are being counseled to consider ending their unhappy marriages now, “as a way to cut losses on future payouts.”
This mercenary theory works best for the spouse expecting to receive maintenance or child support and who expects the other spouse’s income to substantially decrease in the immediate future. It would certainly be advantageous to have support payments (which are income dependent) fixed before there is a loss in income.
It is notable that both articles mis-state a basic premise of divorce law. Assets are distributed equitably in New York. This does not necessarily mean that the assets will be divided 50-50 as stated in the articles.
