Marriage is not only the ceremony that unites two people but it is also the relationship that exists between a husband and wife (Merriam-Webster). If both people decide to end the marriage, they divorce. Divorce is the end of a marriage, a complete separation (Merriam-Webster). Once children are part of the relationship equation, divorce is more complex. It is no longer just a separation of two, but a separation and dissolution of a family. Divorce is a life-changing event and should be evaluated thoroughly, especially when children are involved. Children can sense an impending divorce up to a year before it becomes reality (Taylor, 124). Research has shown that the immediate impacts of divorce can reduce the family's financial situation (Taylor, 125), affect children's behavior (Taylor, 124), and in the long term can result in children with lower educational levels (Taylor, 124), less significant parents. relationships with children (Taylor, 124) and children who continue to have trust and commitment issues (Taylor, 125). There is only one reason why the impacts of divorce are less than the implications of maintaining the marriage: that is when abuse is present; verbal or physical. The divorce rate decreased in Missouri from 1990 to 2011, from 5.1% to 3.9% (CDC), which is a positive trend. Newsweek reported: “Part of the reason for this is the high cost of the breakup; many couples simply cannot afford it. The cost of divorce should be viewed more as an overall financial adjustment and not just the initial cost of the attorney and filing fees that are paid at the beginning. After a divorce, family income is reduced by at least 50% (Fagan) and a woman is likely to fall into poverty or lower status until she remarries (Vanassche…. .. middle of paper..... .e: A writer's story » newsweek.com n. March 21, 2014. “The unexpected pampering of divorce” Real Simple 2.3 (2001: 134). ).MasterFILE First Web. Marriage." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2014. Web. March 26, 2014.n. “Change in reporting of marriage and divorce statistics." cdc.gov. (25 January 2010). Web. March 1, 2014. Taylor, Dalena Dillman, et al. "The Impact of Child-Parent Relationship Therapy on Child Behavior and Parent-Child Relationships: An Examination of Parental Divorce." » International Journal Of Play Therapy 20.3 (2011): 124-137 Web. March 12, 2014. Vanassche, Sofie et al. “Moving between two parental households: the association between joint physical custody and adolescent well-being after divorce. » Journal Of Family Studies 19.2 (2013): 139-158. SocINDEX with full text. Internet. March 14. 2014.