When Wisconsin couples get divorced, they must be prepared to face the emotional and financial consequences of ending their marriages. People who are in this situation should carefully prepare to minimize some of the problems that could otherwise arise. Understanding the potential issues might help people to do so.
Emotional conflicts involved in divorce
According to research, women are much likelier to file for divorce than men. Nearly 70% of divorce petitions are filed by women in the U.S. The following common reasons lead to a marital breakdown:
- Dissatisfaction with the relationship
- Abuse, addiction, or other behavioral problems
- Infidelity
- Unequal division of responsibilities
- Differing values
The spouse who initiates a divorce often initially feels a sense of relief. Those who are left behind might go through a cycle that starts with feelings of anger, resentment, and grief. They might then attempt to win their spouses back before moving into acceptance.
Financial impacts of a divorce
While women are likelier to leave, they also tend to experience much more significant financial impacts from divorce. This is because there is a continuing gender pay gap, and women might have taken time away from work to assume greater responsibilities for child-rearing. By contrast, men tend to suffer fewer financial impacts and might experience better finances after their marriages end.
Both women and men should take steps to prepare before filing for divorce. A spouse should meet with a financial advisor to understand the potential financial issues they might face and how living on one income will impact their lifestyle and budget. Doing so can help them plan accordingly so that they can live more comfortably post-divorce. Both spouses should also build strong support systems to help them deal with the emotional fallout.