Political and ideological differences are increasingly playing a role in Washington divorces and custody battles, D.C.-area lawyers tell Axios.
Why it matters: Politics is no longer relegated to discussions about taxes or policy. It’s become much more about identity and values, permeating American life — including marriages and parenting.
- And with partisan divides and animosity growing, it’s affecting relationships.
The big picture: This comes amid a tumultuous election year that’s seen an assassination attempt on former President Trump and President Biden dropping out of the race following intense pressure from party members, donors, and allies.
What they’re saying: This is the first time in local lawyer Cheryl New‘s more than 35-year career that she’s seen political and ideological differences factor into so many divorces.
- “[It’s no longer] ‘Who do you want for president?’ It branches into many other areas of how you have to relate to your spouse,” says New — think whether to send children to public or private schools or how to support your child should they identify as LGBTQ+.
https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/07/29/divorce-over-politics-ideology-dc-custody