Statistics say that one in two marriages end in divorce. This sociological earthquake has left the old-style nuclear family in ruins
I really hate this, but I end up having to sign checks to pay Colin's ex-wife's mortgage," complains Sara. "We make O.K. money
So when the first of the month rolls around and they have to write that support check to Colin's ex, the results are predictable: Sara gets furious, Colin gets defensive. "No matter what I do, I end up being the bad guy," he complains. "When I bought a computer for my kids last Christmas, Sara was mad because we needed a new dishwasher; when Sara and I took a holiday down south, I couldn't afford to send the kids to camp."
Colin feels guilty, upset, and trapped between his obligations to his former and current wives, and Sara feels angry and resentful at having to give up a large portion of their shared income to a woman she wishes had never even existed.
"If it weren't for them, Colin and I would have a house of our own by now," says Sara bitterly. "Instead, I have to work so that she can live like a lady of leisure!"
Colin and Sara's dilemmas are all too common these days. When a modern bride and groom speak their vows to each other, children and ex-spouses often come along as part of the bargain.
Click here for advice on how to balance your finances and the needs of your new and former spouses.
