Menopause and Divorce

Paula Beaton, Family Paralegal at Hatch Brenner in Norwich, shares some insights into the ongoing conversation about the impact of hormone imbalance and menopause on relationships.

Over the past couple of years, the plight of women in the perimenopause and menopause has been given a higher profile by Dr Louise Newson, Davina McCall, Gabby Roslin and others.

This once-taboo subject is now out in the open for discussion.

As a result, many more of us are aware of the common symptoms and the challenges some women face during this season of life.

Does the menopause cause problems in relationships?

New research carried out by The Family Law Menopause Project and Newson Health Research & Education shows a link between divorce and separation and the menopause.

Physical symptoms like hot flushes and joint pain affect some women. Emotional well-being, confidence and mental well-being can also be impacted significantly during this season of life. Anxiety, brain fog, lack of confidence, anger and feeling overwhelmed can dominate a woman’s day-to-day life when hormones become depleted. Relationships and work-life balance can be impacted.

How we can help you

At Hatch Brenner, we understand these challenges faced by women going through this stage of life and have a dedicated Family team skilled to guide you through separation and divorce.

With a wide range of options available in how a financial settlement might be achieved, we will guide our clients through the options. Assessing the needs of our client once the full financial picture is available to us, we will consider whether an income top-up should be provided by a maintenance provision and housing needs. In a long marriage, where a wife may have devoted time caring for family, setting aside her own career, which means she has a small pension provision for herself, we will advise on equalising future retirement income and pension sharing and offsetting.

For more information contact our Family team on 01603 214 220 or email [email protected].