Although there are rarely hard and fast rules about a topic as complex as divorce, the truth is that divorce tends to affect men and women in different ways. Certain patterns exist that suggest there are real differences in terms of how each gender deals with divorce and that the most significant negative consequences of divorce are not the same for men as they are for women. This is not to say that one gender has it easier in divorce than another; rather, that divorce is challenging for men and women in unique ways and men can benefit from the help of an experienced Illinois divorce attorney who has helped focus on issues that men often face.

Negative Health Outcomes

A surprising but significant impact of divorce on men is the remarkable detrimental effect on their long-term health. Divorced men have higher rates of nearly every adverse health outcome, including, but not limited to:

• Strokes
• Heart attacks
• Cancer
• Dementia
• Inflammation

Researchers postulate that this could happen, in part, because men tend to become more isolated after divorce, whereas women tend to benefit from larger friend groups and other social support systems.

Divorce is a complex topic, and while every Illinois couple faces a unique set of challenges when getting divorced, those who get divorced after age 55 tend to share a common set of issues. Colloquially known as “gray divorce,” divorces that happen later in life may not deal with some of the more challenging issues related to children but often present more difficult problems related to finances. Even if divorcing spouses are exiting the relationship on good terms, decades of financial entanglement often make gray divorce a complex process that requires the help of attorneys and financial experts. If you are considering a gray divorce in Illinois, here are some challenges you may want to anticipate.

Permanent or Indefinite Spousal Maintenance

After a couple has been married for 20 years or more, a court may award permanent alimony payments, especially if one spouse gave up significant career or educational opportunities to raise children and run a household. Spousal maintenance payments must be supported by a life insurance policy that lists the recipient as a beneficiary in case the paying spouse passes away first.

Wills, Trusts, and Other Inheritance

Older couples have often already established financial instruments to pass funds, heirlooms, and real estate on to their children or other beneficiaries. They may also have inherited such items from their own parents. Distinguishing what is marital and non-marital after a long life together can prove very challenging. Professionals like accountants who can help determine how much of a property or bank account is marital property may be necessary to ensure a fair property division.

Many people grow up hearing from family members, teachers, and others that they need a college education in order to have a career, earn a good living, and provide for their future. However, according to a recent study, a college education may also mean a better chance of having a successful marriage—especially for women.

Marriage and Divorce Statistics for College-Educated Couples

Approximately half of first-time marriages in the United States last for about 20 years. A study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics found that women who have a college degree have an 80 percent chance of staying married beyond that 20-year mark. The researchers used data collected through surveys and interviews to predict the probability of marriage success, much in the same way that researchers use data to predict life expectancy statistics. The data included men and women who were between the ages of 15 to 44 during the years 2006 through 2010.

Differences Between Women and Men

The overall percentage of women’s first marriages lasting at least 20 years was 52 percent. For women who had obtained their bachelor’s degrees, that percentage jumped to 78 percent. Women who had attended college but not acquired their degree had a 49 percent chance of their first marriage lasting at least two decades. Women who had a high school education or less had a 40 percent chance of a 20-year marriage.

Any time researchers try to find trends in the divorce rate, there is always a “which comes first” debate that takes place. For example, when looking at professions or occupations that are more prone to divorce, the question must be asked, “Does this profession increase the likelihood of divorce or is the type of person more prone to divorce, for whatever reason, more inclined to work in this field?” Whatever the case may be, there is little question that divorce is more common among those who work in particular industries or jobs, and many such occupations have very similar stresses and challenges.

Police, Firefighters, and Armed Service Members

While it is difficult to imagine modern life without individuals who have committed themselves to public safety and national defense, these jobs are not without their downsides. Police officers and fire fighters often work long shifts, with a great deal of stress added to the equation. Servicemen and women spend months at a time away from their spouses and families, frequently leading to communication issues and deteriorating relationships

Athletes and Entertainers

Countless hours, extended travel, public attention, and a seemingly-constant party-like atmosphere place a strain on any marriage. Dancers, musicians, actors, and other entertainers—whether or not they are particularly famous—often struggle to maintain healthy marital relationships, sometimes in a manner that makes the cover of supermarket tabloids. Professional entertainers experience a divorce rate of more than 28 percent.

Many people who want to lower their divorce costs end up focusing on their legal fees. While this is a good strategy, and efficient use of attorney time can definitely result in a cheaper divorce, people often miss out on other parts of the divorce process that they can use to control costs. A study by the British insurance agency Aviva found that many people end up spending extra money on luxury items and other lifestyle costs as a result of going through a divorce. Paying careful attention to these sorts of line items on a household budget can often be another way that people going through a separation can save money.

What the Study Found

Aviva's study revealed a surprising number of people splurging on post-divorce that they may not need. For instance, almost one in seven people who responded to the study reported that they took a vacation after their divorce. The average cost of one of these trips totaled nearly $3,200. About the same amount of people said that they responded to their divorce by purchasing some sort of new gadget like a computer or a new TV. The average cost of that purchase ended up being over $2,100. Picking up a new hobby after a divorce was an even more expensive endeavor. One out of every eight newly separated people spent on average almost $3,500 on whatever hobby they chose. If people are not careful, these sorts of hidden, discretionary purchases can really start to drive up the cost of their divorce.