What Are the Benefits of Divorce?

Somerville Divorce Lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. Guide Clients Through the Divorce Process.

Divorce is a major change that can have a significant impact on your life going forward. While divorce can be stressful at times, you may also find that is has many benefits.

Financial Advantages

Often, when people think about a divorce, they automatically assume it is going to be expensive. However, while divorces do cost money, they do not typically cost nearly as much as the high-profile celebrity divorces you read about in magazines or see on television. There are a range of divorce options that may be less expensive than traditional litigation, including mediation.

In addition, once the divorce has been finalized, you may be surprised to learn about the following financial benefits:

  • Greater control over your finances: If you are one of the many couples who fight over money-related issues, getting a divorce means that you no longer need to argue about spending habits. You may have more freedom when it comes to budgeting, financial goals for the future, and paying off debt.
  • Access to financial aid for college: If you have children who are in the process of applying for college, you may be looking for financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form only requires financial information from the custodial parent, although you will have to include alimony or child support you receive from the non-custodial parent. If your income has decreased after the divorce, this may increase the amount of financial aid.
  • Social Security advantages: If you were married to your spouse for 10 years or more, and you are 62 or older, you may be entitled to your former spouse’s Social Security spousal benefits once you are divorced. You will not have to wait until your former spouse activates Social Security, and claiming those benefits will not impact your ex’s monthly payment.
  • You can focus on your financial priorities: Despite the negative aspects of a divorce, you have the opportunity to start fresh, make adjustments, and focus on the financial goals that are important to you.

Health Benefits

Staying in an unhealthy marriage can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. Stress can cause you to develop unhealthy habits, like eating junk food, drinking too much alcohol, and not getting exercise. You can turn the negativity of a divorce into a motivating factor to start exercising, eating a healthy, well–balanced diet, and doing things that are good for your physical and mental health.

Constant stress and poor nutrition can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to a range of negative symptoms, including abdominal pain, fatigue, and joint pain. When stress levels subside, the inflammation – and the unpleasant symptoms – will likely subside as well.

Benefits for Family

Many unhappily married couples say they stay married for the sake of their children. They believe the divorce process will be too painful for them. However, that is not always the case. While the divorce process is not always easy for children, they may benefit in the long run because it means that they will no longer deal with constant conflict.

After navigating the complex divorce process, you and your ex may have developed coping skills and patience that will help you resolve parenting issues. Once the divorce has been finalized, and the custody issues have been resolved, both of you can focus your attention and energy back on the children.

How Can a Divorce Benefit You?

Once you adjust to being divorced, you may start to realize that you have time to pursue hobbies and interests. If you have children and share custody with your former spouse, you will have time to yourself when your children are with the other parent. Whether that is every weekend or one night a week, you will have time to yourself, which may allow you to take a class, travel, reconnect with friends, learn a new hobby, or simply enjoy the solitude of a quiet house.

Somerville Divorce Lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. Guide Clients Through the Divorce Process

If you are seeking a divorce and have questions or concerns, speak with our Somerville divorce lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. We will help you navigate every step of the divorce process. Call us at 908-575-9777 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Somerville, Morristown, and Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Somerset, Woodbridge, Morristown, Parsippany, Rockaway, Short Hills, Chatham, Randolph, Madison, Morris Plains, and Monmouth County.