Depending on the source, 40% to 50% of U.S. marriages will end in divorce. For divorced people who decide to remarry for a second or third time, the divorce rate increases to 60% and 73%, respectively. What this means is many American couples choose to settle their problems through divorce, as opposed to other forms of reconciliation.

Although the specific reasons that couples choose to divorce vary widely, many of them are related to just a few broader categories. Chief among these are money, trust, inability to get along, and increased incompatibility. According to the University of Florence, divorcing couples with trust issues have an increased risk of heart attack, as a study linked infidelity to “major cardiovascular events.”

Whatever the reason behind a divorce, the process can be lengthy and the consequences can be devastating. While contested divorces are the most difficult and most costly, they are less common than uncontested divorces. Even though uncontested divorces are the most common type of divorce, an uncontested divorce with children and assets to divide can be equally stressful.

Regardless of the details behind each divorce, it is always important to hire the best family divorce lawyers possible. If possible, both spouses should enlist the services of the right attorney for their needs. For instance, when children are involved, it would be a good idea to research child custody attorneys. Obviously, if child custody is not an issue, but there are substantial assets involved, it would be wise to looking into family divorce lawyers who have experience with the division of assets.

In the United States, the average divorce takes one year and can cost anywhere from $1500 to $20,000 dollars. Therefore, it is in the best interests of both parties to consult with divorce attorneys who can expedite the divorce process, and help their clients to reach a settlement that is acceptable for both parties.