Does Divorce Affect Men And Women Equally?
Under the law, men and women are technically treated equally during a divorce. However, going through a divorce can have substantially different effects on men versus women. Women may suffer more severe financial consequences in both the short and long term. Surprisingly, men may suffer more psychological distress, such as loneliness, depression, and identity issues.
Keep reading below to learn more details about how divorce affects men and women differently.
Financial Effects of Divorce
Studies have shown that women suffer more financial consequences after a divorce. In fact, women see a larger decline in household income after a divorce, and women are also at a greater risk of poverty post-divorce. This is likely due to a few different reasons.
First, women are more likely to abandon their careers during marriage. This is especially true when children are involved. Women are more likely to leave their careers to stay at home and raise the children. After a divorce, women can have a harder time re-entering the workforce and earning an income that is comparable to what the man was earning at the time of the divorce.
This adverse financial effect can last for years. For these reasons, women should be especially mindful of getting appropriate child support and spousal support agreements in place during a divorce to help offset these financial consequences.
Health and Well-Being After a Divorce
Many people are surprised to learn that men tend to suffer from more psychological and emotional issues after a divorce. This could be because men are sometimes blindsided by a divorce, while women have been emotionally preparing themselves for the divorce for some time prior to the divorce actually happening.
After a divorce, men often experience loneliness, depression, and a lack of self-worth. This can be especially true when the man loses daily contact with his children.
Some men turn to coping mechanisms during this time, such as drugs or alcohol. Others experience weight gain and other physical side effects. To help prevent these types of issues, a child custody arrangement that allows for regular contact with the children can help. Additionally, men should look for alternative coping mechanisms, such as working out or going to counseling.
The Basics of California’s Divorce Laws
Under the law, men and women are treated equally during divorce. For instance, California follows a strict community property rule for property division during a divorce. In California, the court typically divides the community property equally (50-50) in a divorce, unless an exception applies or the spouses agree to a different division. The law does not favor one party over the other; both are treated equally.
Similarly, the law treats both the man and the woman equally in child custody cases. The goal is to allow joint custody. This is because the law assumes that it is in a child’s best interest to have a continued relationship with both parents. Only when the child’s health or well-being would not be best served by joint custody will the court remove custody from one parent.
Getting a Fair Divorce Settlement
Understanding how a divorce can affect men and women differently is crucial to getting a fair divorce settlement. Women should be especially careful to protect their financial future. This means getting their fair share of the marital assets and receiving an appropriate amount of spousal support. This is especially important when they have sacrificed their career to take care of their children.
Men, on the other hand, are more likely to suffer psychological effects after a divorce. To help prevent this, men should be diligent in protecting their parental rights. They should also strive to have regular communications with their children.
Going through a divorce is never easy for either party. However, understanding these effects can help you be better prepared to handle the divorce and protect yourself in the long run.
Contact Berenji Divorce and Family Law Group for a Consultation With a Beverly Hills Divorce Lawyer
Divorce can have lasting financial and emotional consequences, and having the right legal guidance matters. Whether you are concerned about protecting your assets, securing fair support, or preserving your relationship with your children, the team at Berenji Divorce and Family Law Group is here to help. Our Beverly Hills divorce lawyers understand the unique challenges men and women face during divorce and work to protect your rights at every stage of the process.
For more information, contact our experienced Beverly Hills divorce lawyers. We serve throughout California: Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and its surrounding areas . Visit any of our offices at:
Berenji Divorce and Family Law Group Los Angeles Office
550 S. Hill Street STE 1467
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 277-2586
Berenji Divorce and Family Law Group Beverly Hills Office
9465 Wilshire Blvd #333
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(213) 277-2586