
By Jessica Searcy Kmetty
Experiencing a divorce is rarely something couples expect to face. When I was first married at age 19, I had visions of what it would be like to celebrate my 50th anniversary. I pictured a large party with our friends and family, cakes and grandkids and maybe even great grandkids. I remember sighing a breath of relief at our 8th anniversary because we had made it through the infamous “seven-year itch” with three small children.
But alas, there are two people in every relationship, and despite all efforts, my marriage fell apart and we divorced after 18 years, splitting up assets and spending thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees in the process.