October is Menopause Awareness Month, with World Menopause Day taking place on 18th October, which is an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact that perimenopause and menopause can have on many aspects of life, including relationships.
Menopause does not inevitably lead to relationship breakdown. However, the physical and emotional changes experienced during this stage of life can place additional pressure on a relationship or bring existing problems to the surface.
And if a marriage does break down during this period, there can be important practical and financial issues to consider.
How can menopause affect a relationship?
Every person's experience of menopause is different. Symptoms can include: difficulty sleeping, anxiety, low mood, problems with memory and concentration, and physical symptoms that can affect intimacy.
When combined with work, family responsibilities and other pressures, these changes can sometimes affect communication and relationships.
Research has found that more than 60% of women surveyed felt that their perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms had negatively affected their relationship. Loss of physical intimacy, a lack of understanding from a partner, increased arguments and communication difficulties were among the issues identified.
However, menopause may not necessarily be the underlying cause of a relationship ending. In some cases, it may highlight difficulties that were already present.
Divorce during menopause: what should you consider?
Going through a divorce can be challenging at any age. But separating in your 40s, 50s or later can raise concerns about your future.
If you are considering divorce, it is important not to make significant financial decisions without first understanding your position.
Your home and finances
One of the immediate concerns following separation is often where each person will live and whether the family home will need to be sold.
A financial settlement can also involve savings, investments, debts, business interests and other assets. Both parties will generally need to provide full and honest financial disclosure so that the overall financial position can be considered.
Don't overlook your pension
Pensions can be particularly important when divorcing in midlife.
After a long marriage, pension savings may be one of the couple's most valuable assets - sometimes second only to the family home.
It can be tempting to focus on keeping the house in exchange for leaving a spouse's pension untouched, but the long-term consequences need careful consideration.
Depending on the circumstances, options can include pension sharing, pension offsetting or, less commonly, pension attachment.
Think about your future needs
A financial settlement is not simply about dividing what you own today.
Your future circumstances are also important. Depending on the individual case, considerations could include income and earning capacity, housing requirements, retirement plans and the needs of any dependent children.
For someone experiencing significant menopausal symptoms, health and the potential impact on their ability to work may also be relevant to their wider financial circumstances.
Take your time and get advice
Divorce can involve major decisions at a time when you may already be experiencing considerable emotional and physical change.
Getting legal advice does not commit you to ending your marriage. It can simply help you understand your position and the options available before deciding what to do next.
Where a couple has decided to separate, taking a constructive approach can also help reduce unnecessary conflict. Negotiation, mediation and other methods of resolving family disputes outside court may be appropriate depending on the circumstances.
How Coles Miller's Family Law team can help
Coles Miller's experienced Family Law team provides sensitive, practical advice to people facing divorce, separation and other family law issues.
The team can advise on divorce and separation, financial settlements, pensions and property, arrangements for children, civil partnerships, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, as well as surrogacy and fertility law.
Coles Miller's family lawyers are committed to resolving disputes constructively wherever possible. Depending on your circumstances, this could involve negotiation, mediation or collaborative law, with court proceedings available when an agreement cannot be reached.
This can be particularly important for people divorcing in midlife, when decisions about the family home, pensions, savings, income and future retirement plans can have significant long-term consequences.
Coles Miller offers a free, no-obligation initial chat, giving you an opportunity to discuss your circumstances and understand the possible next steps before deciding how you wish to proceed.
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