Will You Find Happiness After Divorce? Insights & Tips
Many of my divorce clients ask, “Will I find happiness after divorce?” While there’s no guaranteed answer, many people do find greater peace, freedom, and fulfillment after ending a marriage that wasn’t working. There are steps you can take to keep you from becoming paralyzed by the divorce process. From reports I hear from my former clients, the answer to this question is usually “Yes “!
How Common Is Happiness After Divorce?
I am a bit of a geek when it comes to looking at statistics. I saw an article a while ago on MovingPastDivorce.com regarding a survey that Terry Gaspard commissioned. Terry is a licensed social worker and counselor in Rhode Island. Reading her bio and a recent interview with her by Social Work Guide, she appears very accomplished. Click here to read that interview.
Ms. Gaspard, through her company, recently contacted more than 2,000 people who had been divorced for at least three years. She wanted to probe findings about post-divorce loneliness and fears about meeting new people. Her hope was to produce a survey that might dispel such worries with cold, hard facts. Interestingly, the survey did reveal a number of statistics she thought were important. While I can’t vouch for her methodology or the validity of the survey results, I wanted to share them with the readers of the Ohio Family Law Blog.
The results suggest that happiness after divorce is not only possible but common:
HER DIVORCE SURVEY RESULTS:
- 84% of respondents stated that they were much happier following divorce than prior to it.
- 73% of respondents were now in long-term relationships; and
- 23% were now co-habiting with their partners.
These results affirm that happiness after divorce isn’t just anecdotal, it’s supported by academic research as well.
What Studies Say About Post-Divorce Happiness
Paul R. Amato, a sociologist at Penn State University, wrote a very thorough paper published in the Journal of Marriage and the Family in November of 2020 which focuses on marital quality and divorce. Concerning the consequences of divorce, he found that numerous studies indicate that many people have thrived after divorce. These individuals felt a higher level of autonomy and personal growth once released from their marriage. Many women expressed a boost in self-confidence and a better sense of control. Divorced moms tended to see improvements in their careers and living a happier life. Click here to read this article.
I realize that there are surveys and studies that find different and even contrary results. But often a positive outlook is REALLY important for individuals who find themselves either recently divorced or presently involved in a divorce action.
If you are a former client or a regular reader of the Ohio Family Law Blog, you know that I am always encouraging people to take care of both their physical and emotional health. That must be the top priority! I will of course help with the “legal side” of things, but seeing doctors, therapists and counselors needs to be taken care of by the client to maintain their overall health.
Focus on Emotional & Physical Health
Take care of yourself holistically. Go to therapy, talk to your doctor, and create a support system. Here are some helpful blog posts from our archives:
- Declutter Negative Thoughts Post Divorce, posted on May 14, 2022.
- A Good Therapist is Critical to Your Emotional Health! ,posted on January 1, 2011.
- How Divorce Can Affect Mental Health, posted on May 21, 2022.
- Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Health, posted June 19, 2022.
- Divorce, posted on August 8, 2022.
- How to be Happy with Your Life Post Divorce , posted on January 14, 2023.
Stay on top of your health issues both during and after your divorce. There are good tips offered in the above-mentioned blog posts! Stay positive, transitioning after divorce takes time. Be patient and good to yourself as you move on into this new chapter of your life!
MuesLaw Provides Experienced, Trusted and Professional Advice if You Are Considering Ending Your Marriage.
Considering terminating your marriage? MuesLaw can assist you with your divorce or dissolution related issues. To learn more, please go to our website at www. MuesLaw.com or call us at 937 293-2141. Be sure to read more on our website about the collaborative divorce process. We can schedule an in-person conference or one by phone or Zoom. We look forward to assisting you!
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Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he previously managing the Dayton law firm of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues LPA until it dissolved on December 31, 2024. He recently has founded MUESLAW in 2025. To learn more about him or MUESLAW, visit www.MuesLaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141.
