Postponing the formal dissolution of marriage until a child reaches adulthood is a complex decision with potentially significant implications for all parties involved. This delay involves remaining legally married, though often living separately, until the child’s eighteenth birthday.
Maintaining a legally intact marriage, even in a state of separation, can offer certain financial advantages, such as continued health insurance coverage or tax benefits, depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances. Historically, this approach was more common due to societal stigmas associated with divorce, particularly when children were involved. While such stigmas have diminished, the perceived emotional and financial impact on the child remains a central consideration for many couples.
