Divorced Illinois couples and their children may experience some lingering problems long after their divorces are final, especially in high-conflict cases or when parenting issues are disputed. Men and women may experience major drops in income and have trouble collecting child support, and they may have lingering emotional problems and rush into new marriages too quickly. While some children adjust well and show little to no negative symptoms after a divorce, others may develop emotional and behavioral problems that last for years to come. With planning and hard work, people may be able to reduce the chances of experiencing ongoing post-divorce problems.
Lingering Problems After Divorce
Men, women, and children may all face ongoing problems after divorce, and in many cases, these problems linger for many months or even years. Women are likely to face significant financial problems after getting divorced. An estimated 65 percent of divorced women with children do not receive child support, and 60 percent of divorced women with children have incomes that are under the federal poverty guidelines.
Men are likelier to suffer emotional problems after getting divorced because of the loss of intimacy. They are also likelier to rush into new marriages. Some children are well-adjusted while others develop emotional problems and behavioral disorders. The way in which children react to divorce depends largely on how their parents cope. If the parents’ relationship is filled with conflict, the children are much likelier to adjust poorly.
Preventing Post-divorce Problems
While not all post-divorce issues can be avoided, people may be able to minimize the problems that arise. People who are thinking about filing for divorce should meet with financial advisors so that they can better understand the potential impact that divorcing might have on their finances. Couples should talk openly and honestly about the problems that they have in their marriages if they believe that the marriages are salvageable. When divorce is inevitable, parents should keep the best interests of their children at the forefront and try to work together to raise their kids. Children do best when their parents are able to communicate and to work together in co-parenting relationships.
