In a 2015 study conducted by the American Sociological Association (ACA), researchers found that 69 percent of all opposite-sex divorces are initiated by women. This leaves only 31 percent of men being the ones to take the initiative to end their marriages. Below, we take a look at how men are impacted when their spouses file for divorce and how an experienced Long Island, NY divorce lawyer can help you navigate the process of dissolving your marital union.

The Financial Impact of Getting a Divorce on Men

While it’s true that women are more likely to file for divorce than men, men are more likely to suffer greater economic hardship as a result of divorce. According to Bloomberg, the average standard of living for an older man after a divorce decreases by a shocking 21 percent.

There are several reasons why men tend to suffer greater economic hardship after a divorce. First, men are generally less likely than women to receive custody of their children after a divorce, and so they may have to pay child support payments which can put a strain their finances. They may also have to pay alimony or spousal support to their wives, which can decrease their income further and possibly even elevate their ex’s standard of living above their own.

It’s also worth noting that divorced men are also less likely to remarry than divorced women, meaning that they often have to shoulder the financial burden of single parenthood alone.

The Emotional Impact of Divorce

The emotional impact of divorce on all involved is not to be underestimated. For men, who are traditionally told they must control or hide their feelings and who aren’t encouraged to process them in healthy ways, this can be particularly daunting.

Understand that getting a divorce can be emotionally and mentally draining, and it’s not uncommon for men to feel angry, depressed, or even helpless during this time, particularly if they did not initiate the divorce. Men should seek out support from friends, family, or even a therapist if needed. Men need to remember that divorce does not define who they are as a person, and they can still be a good father, husband, and friend after the divorce.

How Men Can Re-build Their Lives After a Divorce

Many men feel lost and uncertain of their place in the world when their wife files for divorce. While this is an extremely emotionally charged time as mentioned above, it’s also an opportunity to start fresh and build a new life.

You can start by taking some time for yourself to relax and recharge. This may mean taking a vacation, getting involved in hobbies or activities that you enjoy, or simply taking some time each day to do something that you find calming or fun.

You should also make an effort to build some camaraderie between yourself and people who are going through something similar. There are often groups or communities available to help those going through a divorce, whether online or in person. These can provide valuable support and assistance as you navigate this new phase of your life, especially if you don’t feel ready to talk about this huge step with your friends or family in real life.

Now is a great time to make positive changes in your life that will benefit you in the long run, like eating healthier, exercising more, taking up meditation, or making other lifestyle changes. Try to focus on the future and what lies ahead, which may mean setting goals for yourself, planning fun experiences, or simply looking forward to the next day, week, or month.

Get Legal Help with Your New York Divorce Today

The decision of when to consult a divorce lawyer can be a difficult one. Working with an attorney can be expensive and stressful, especially for men who are already struggling with a lower standard of living, but having a lawyer on your side can have many worthwhile benefits, including financial and emotional.

You can increase your chances of receiving a favorable settlement the sooner you contact a professional who can help you. The process of divorce is never easy, but with the help of an experienced divorce lawyer, it can be much less stressful and more manageable.

Contact Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C. today to learn more about the impact of divorce on men or to set up a time to speak with one of our experienced family attorneys by calling 631-923-1910 or filling out the short form on this page.