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Affordable Care Act May Benefit Divorced Couples

by | Jun 4, 2015 | Firm News

Though it might sound strange, divorce is becoming more and more of a financial decision rather than a relationship one—and some couples are considering it as an option because of the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.” The reason is that the subsidized insurance premiums will be lower for individuals rather than couples. Whether this was purposeful by the Obama Administration or not remains to be seen.

Theodore Enfield, P.A., a Miami family lawyer, today announced that he will be taking cases for divorce for various reasons, and for the first time including those imposed by the Affordable Care Act. From financial situations to child custody, domestic violence, and prenuptial agreements in Florida, Theodore Enfield provides guidance through all of the issues that are likely to arise.

The Affordable Care Act mandates that all Americans purchase health insurance, which unfortunately may not benefit couples or other higher-income Americans. It has been called a “wedding tax” and “divorce incentive” by some.

For married couples in Florida, the annual premium for health insurance is about $12,000. Some couples can save more than $400 a month by divorcing and having separate insurance; individual premiums are only about $4,300 a year. This strange reality of the new legislation seems clear: it’s far more financially feasible to have an individual health insurance plan than it is to have a joint one with a spouse. This, of course, doesn’t include family plans, which are on a different scale, and often do benefit families of three or more.

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation published a subsidy calculator on their website that shows how much a premium will cost for different people, with different incomes and numbers of family members.

As a result of the new legislation, new individual health insurance plans may be preferable to couples’ plans. Divorce for struggling couples might therefore be financially beneficial, as odd as it may sound.

Divorce attorneys can help divorcing couples find common ground and some positivity in the transition. Legal separation in Florida, while rare, can also help couples work out their marriage or more seamlessly end it.

Theodore Enfield, P.A., one of the most respectful Miami divorce attorneys can mediate family law, or act as a family attorney. Theodore Enfield also handles Florida prenuptial agreements. Since every state has different legislation regarding marriage and divorce, it is beneficial to get advice from a local lawyer who has practiced law in whichever state a client currently resides.