Divorce is a life-changing event that can cause huge amounts of stress for anyone. But, it’s especially stressful for people 40 and older. The good news is that there is life after divorce at an older age. Starting over after divorce at 40 can be exciting, freeing, and fun. It’s not something to be scared of, but something to embrace!
How Common Is Divorce At 40?
Divorce for people at 40 is more common than you may believe, and more people are doing it today than ever before. The number of adults getting divorced has been increasing steadily since the 1990s. Out of all married 40 to 49-year-olds, 21% got a divorce in 2015. So, if you’re thinking about a divorce at the age of 40, know that it’s entirely normal.
How Do I Reinvent Myself After Divorce At 40?
Divorce is never easy to go through. Whether you pursue litigation or settle your divorce out of court, the result is the same once the papers are signed. It’s okay to allow yourself the space to be sad, but pulling yourself back together is an essential step.
Many people use divorce as an opportunity to reinvent themselves. Here are some popular strategies for starting over after divorce at 40:
- Make a change to your appearance. Being with the same person for a long time often makes us feel stuck in certain ways or appearances. Maybe you didn’t get that haircut you always wanted because you worried about how your spouse would react. Changing your look is a quick and effective way to launch a change in your life. It also gives people lots of freedom. By cutting or dying your hair, restyling your wardrobe, or getting a new set of glasses, you signal a period of newness for your mind.
- Try things you’ve always wanted. Embrace the freedom of independence after divorce at 40 by doing everything you’ve been putting off. Go back to the person you were before or at the beginning of your relationship and think about what that person would have wanted and if it’s something you still yearn for. If it is, go for it. Take that trip, learn that hobby, and start that challenge!
- Start dating when you’re ready. You don’t need to start dating straight after a divorce. It’s important to give yourself time to recover. But you also shouldn’t force yourself out of the game longer than you need to be. Once you feel ready, test the waters with a few dates. When you do decide to commit, make sure you’re settling for nothing but the best.
Is It Okay To Divorce At 40?
It’s okay to divorce at any age. Your sanity, safety, and personal wellness matter more than staying in a relationship that isn’t working for you.
How Long Does It Take A Woman To Heal After Divorce?
A national study done in 2016 found that, on average, women move on faster from a divorce than men do. More specifically, 73% of women reported feeling no regrets moving on from a divorce, while only 61% of men felt the same. In general, it takes someone an average of 1.5 to 2 years to heal after a divorce, no matter your age.
Call Our Office For A Divorce Consultation
At Bloom & Rudibaugh, we have an experienced team of family law and divorce attorneys who hold expertise in all aspects of California family law. We develop meaningful connections with our clients and have a high level of settled cases. We’re here to support you through your divorce at 40 or any age, forthatmatter. Call our Hemet Law Office today at 951-652-1400 or our Murrieta/Temecula office at 951-296-5360 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
