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Specialty tag(s): Pre-Divorce Guidance, Divorce

What Are the Five Stages of Divorce?

Karen Bryson | November 22, 2024

The circumstances surrounding a divorce differ greatly from case to case, but the way spouses react to the news that their partner wants a divorce may often be quite similar. The emotions of a divorce can involve a form of grief, with both spouses needing to process and accept the loss of the relationship as it once was. And, just as there can be multiple stages of the grieving process, there are five stages of divorce. While the journey through these stages can be difficult and isn’t always linear, understanding what each stage entails can help better prepare you for what’s to come. Once you’ve moved through the five stages, the hope is that you would be ready to embrace the next chapter of your life.

The Five Stages of Divorce

Stage 1: Denial

The first of the five stages of divorce is denial. During this stage, one or both spouses may struggle to accept that their marriage is ending. Avoiding the reality of the situation or refusing to discuss the desire for a divorce can make it challenging for some to take the necessary legal steps. However, understanding that denial is a natural reaction to a traumatic event like a divorce can help some individuals find the strength to move forward.

Stage 2: Anger

Coming to terms with divorce and moving through the denial stage often leads to the second stage: anger. It is natural to feel resentment or frustration during this period of time. As emotions rise during this stage, conflicts between spouses may become more frequent. Knowing this up front sometimes helps you brace yourself for impact. When this occurs, it’s important that both parties find healthy ways to manage their feelings so that they don’t escalate and further complicate matters unnecessarily.

Stage 3: Bargaining

Bargaining is the third stage in the five stages of divorce. During this stage, spouses may attempt to make compromises or negotiate in hopes of either preventing the divorce or speeding it up. Those in the bargaining stage may also find themselves revisiting past decisions and questioning whether different actions could have prevented the difficulties of divorce. It’s important to approach this stage with realistic expectations and keep an open mind to the possibilities of a bright and happy future.

Stage 4: Depression

The fourth stage of divorce is depression. Feelings of sadness, loss, and hopelessness can become overwhelming as the reality of the divorce sets in. This stage can be particularly emotionally draining for spouses and even impact their ability to make clear and practical decisions during the divorce process. Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional is especially important during this time.

Stage 5: Acceptance

The final stage in the five stages of divorce is acceptance, during which individuals come to terms with the end of their marriage. While acceptance does not mean that all of the pain of divorce or feelings of sadness of the divorce disappears, it does allow spouses to start focusing on rebuilding their lives. Individuals who reach the acceptance stage are more equipped to make rational decisions about their future and work with their attorney to finalize the divorce.

Speak With an Experienced, Compassionate Divorce Attorney Today

At Goranson Bain Ausley, we understand just how difficult a divorce can be. That’s why our skilled divorce attorneys and divorce coaches are ready to provide you with the expert knowledgeable and legal guidance you need to navigate the challenges of divorce. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and speak with one of our attorneys.

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