Marriage is not only the ceremony that unites two people but it is also the relationship that exists between husband and wife (Merriam-Webster). If the two people decide to end the marriage, they divorce. Divorce is the end of a marriage, a complete separation (Merriam-Webster). Once children become part of the relationship equation, divorce becomes more complicated, it is not just a separation of two, it becomes a separation and dissolution of a family. Divorce is a life-changing event and should be thoroughly considered especially when children are involved. Children can perceive an impending divorce for up to a year before it becomes a reality (Taylor, 124). Research has shown that the immediate impacts of divorce can reduce the family's financial status (Taylor, 125), affect children's behavior (Taylor, 124), and in the long term may result in children having lower levels of education (Taylor, 124 ), parents have less significant relationships with children (Taylor, 124), and children who continue to have trust and commitment issues (Taylor, 125). There is only one reason why the impact of divorce is less than the implications of remaining in the marriage and 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 is the high cost of disruption; 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 paid at the beginning. After a divorce the family income is reduced by at least 50% (Fagan) and a woman is likely to fall into poverty or below status until she remarries (Vanassche...... middle of paper.. ....and: A Writer's Story." Newsweek.com No. March 21, 2014. Karbo, "The Unexpected Coddling Of Divorce 2.3 (2001): 134. MasterFILE Web. marriage." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam -Webster, 2014. Web. March 26, 2014.n. "Change in the Reporting of Marriage and Divorce Statistics cdc.gov. (January 25, 2010). Web. March 01, 2014. Taylor, Dalena Dillman, et al. "The Impact of Parent-Child 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 "Commuting between two households: The association between joint physical custody and adolescent well-being following divorce." SocINDEX with full text. Network. March 14. 2014.