Divorced – but still in business together
An estranged couple work to grow their carpet company. What's your advice for Carini Lang?
From Bryan Mark, Elmhurst IL I have to agree with those who say keep the marriage together. I bet Carini and his "artsy" look at life is part of the cause of the problems. Artsy people never deal with the real issues of life and especially business. They have no head for business at all but can create something from nothing. What ever brought them together in the first place needs to be found again and they need to work on what pushed them apart. Then I would work on the business and not raise expenses, hiring new people, and lower costs while we are in this recession. Good luck with everything.
From John, Tampa, FL OK. America clearly wants you to give it another shot. We do not discount your issues. We know that they are real. We do. However, we think you may be better off if you work it out the way generations of our ancestors, who were less fortunate than we are today, did. So, PLEASE GIVE US AN UPDATE on your thoughts.
From Dave, brentwood, tn WELOCME to the marriage – divorce industry created in mind to increase billions of dollars from the families to pay fees. The children will carry this with them and their postarity. I want, what I want, when I want it attitude. Take a marriage enrichment class. Divorce is a huge factor in the decay of our social, legal and political systems.
From JOHN, Syracuse, NY CNN …why do delete my comments. I am mad about this. Leaving these kids in the backdrop of a business in which the parents think it more important. Poor Kids
From UgotPROBLEMS, NY, NY Funny that everyone in here really care about those kids and the business is pushed in the background — AS IT SHOULD !!!!!!! ……. CARINI LANG ……get it together people or them kids will be having troubled times ahead …. YAHOOOOO to all those who replied in respect of those poor children of thiers. They are the ones going to be hurt in this whole deal. SCREW THE BUSINESS
From Connie, San Antonio, TX They should either try to stay married and grow the business together or go through the divorce and go their separate ways in the business aspect too.
From Alan, Springdale, AR Go attend a Joe Beam marriage retreat immediately. After all my wife and I have been through, you guys are easy.
Google him, its the real deal. I dare you to take a road less travelled…find out how to fall in love again and keep the family together.
From Amy Canton, Longview Texas I completely agree with John. Three children and 13 years together, though not the focus of this article are by far the most important angle to this story. Marriage, like a business partnership, is alot of work. When you work the business you are rewarded with money and pride in your work; working for your family rewards you with healthier, happier children and pride in your family. Focus similar attention to the two of you with some personal counseling.
From Mike, Redwood City, CA Carini Lang need to come up with a plan to 'demerge' themselves from the business as they demerge themselves from their marriage.
Although it's possible that they can function successfully together as business partners after the divorce is final, it will be extremely difficult for them to do so as they move on in their personal lives (new love interests, etc.), not to mention how it will be for their new partners to tolerate them working with their ex-spouses (huh ?).
The structure of the demerger could take lots of forms: one buying out the other for cash, selling the whole company and splitting the cash, winding down the company and splitting the cash, etc. Note the repeated use of the word cash; in this economy, that's the way to go.
Finally, demerging the company will allow them to take care of their children together and maintain a respectful releationship while avoiding the stress of running a small business together.
From John, Tampa, FL YOU SHOULD WORK OUT THE MARRIAGE ISSUES OR SELL THE BUSINESS. Really. Regardless of the issue, if you can run the business together, you can stay married. It's that simple. You want a plan, make a clean slate and get back together for a minimum of 1 year, preferably two. The experts talk of the value of your time? Believe me, this game you're playing is what is wasting the time and it WILL destroy the business. Instead, spent a year or two REALLY trying to make it work. The three kids deserve it. If it does not work, the recession will be over when you call it quits and you can sell the business.
The pain of a divorce never goes away. Even the notion you thought of one will have long term effect. Get back together as a family and the business will be fine. No carpet is worth a broken family.