Hard times can bring people closer together, even when they want to brick each other to death. Or just get divorced. Either way, the latest casualty of the new economy are divorce attorneys. According to an article in salon.com, many unhappy couples literally can not afford to legally dissolve their marriage. Portfolios shrink and bonuses wane, which can constrict assets to the point where the only way either party can preserve their lifestyle is by staying together.

While I prefer no one suffer, I rather applaud this development.

First, more people are giving mediation a chance, which encourages a direct adult discussion between the parties about how they might divide common assets. Second, and more importantly, the downturn deprives lawyers of the precious lifeblood they so crave–money. And last,  it nudges divorce attorneys one step closer to where they really belong.

In a coffin.

NOTE: To any divorce attorneys who might be reading, make sure you bill your clients for the time you spent reading this entry. They’ll appreciate it. Really.