Behind Closed Doors: The Truth about the Emotional Side of High-Net-Worth Divorce in South Carolina

Divorce is generally considered one of the most stressful experiences people can go through in life, but when you’re a high-net-worth individual, the stakes can be significantly higher even before the case begins. Apart from the financial considerations, there are also emotional and psychological issues to consider before, during, and after the process. Oftentimes, people get so caught up in the legal proceedings and asset division that they end up neglecting their own mental health and that of their family members. In this post, I’ll discuss some of the emotional and psychological issues that I often see in high-net-worth divorce cases in South Carolina and offer some suggestions to help navigate these challenging times without sacrificing your mental health and well-being.

Dealing with uncertainty.

One of the main challenges in divorce is dealing with the uncertainty of the future. For high-net-worth individuals, there are a lot of assets and investments to consider, and it can be difficult to predict how the split will affect overall or future financial well-being. This uncertainty can cause a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety, especially for individuals who are used to having detailed financial plans in place at all times.

Therefore, it’s important to have a support system in place to cope with any new emotions that the divorce and the litigation process may stir up for those involved. It’s also important to have a financial plan in place and to seek advice from experienced professionals who can help you navigate the complex financial aspects of high-net-worth divorce.

Coping with a sense of loss.

Divorce can also be especially difficult for high-net-worth individuals who have spent years building their wealth and status and who enjoy many benefits from a high-profile status in their community. High-net-worth individuals are often in the public eye, and they may feel a sense of pressure to maintain a certain image during the divorce process. The loss of a marriage can feel like a public failure, not just to the spouses, but to their children as well, and it may have a negative impact on their self-esteem.

It’s important to remember that your personal life is just that – personal. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your divorce. Focus on taking care of yourself and your family and avoid getting caught up in the opinions of others. It’s important to acknowledge any negative feelings when they come up and seek the proper emotional support from friends, family, or better yet, a therapist. Remembering that your worth as a person is not tied to your financial status or marital status is a key component to surviving any divorce, especially one that may have a public interest angle.

Putting your children first.

If you have children, it’s also critically important to prioritize their well-being throughout the divorce process. Children can experience a wide range of emotions during this time, including sadness, anger, and confusion, as they watch the only life that they’ve ever known be divided up between two homes and their schedules suddenly dictated by more than just their school or extracurricular calendars.

You will want to maintain open lines of communication with your children and provide them with a safe and stable environment whenever and however possible. If you find that your children may have emotionally shut down or may be dealing with their emotions in unhealthy ways, it may also be necessary to seek the services of a child psychologist or a well-trained family therapy provider to help your children, and you, cope with the changes in their lives.

Moving forward.

The end of a marriage, while stressful and sad in many respects, can be considered a change for a new and healthier beginning. While it may be difficult to imagine a future beyond the divorce process while you’re in the midst of it, it’s important to remember that there are opportunities for growth and for making new and happy memories in the future. Take the time to reflect on, and maybe even revamp, your life goals and personal interests. Commit to a new focus on building a healthy and fulfilling life for yourself and your children. Even if there are bumps in the road, my experience is that good marriages rarely fail, so if you’ve found yourself faced with divorce, it’s because mistakes were made somewhere along the way in building the foundation of the marriage, so now’s the time to figure out how to do it better if remarriage may be in your future.

Even if remarriage is the furthest thing from your mind following your divorce, it’s also a great time to reconnect with your children. During the litigation process, so many things are up in the air and uncertain, that in almost every case, a parent’s relationship with their children takes a hit or two. Once the divorce is resolved, make a concerted effort to book “dates” with your children regularly to spend some time one-on-one with them. Remind them early and often that regardless of new addresses or new schedules that may be in place, you will always be their parent and they can always depend on you for your support and love. Depending on their personal feelings about the divorce, they may be resistant at first but know that with all kids, consistency matters. So, don’t give up even if they initially rebuff your efforts. They will appreciate it even if they don’t yet have words to say it.

Final Thoughts

High-net-worth divorce cases in South Carolina can be especially challenging, but taking steps to care for your and your family’s emotional and psychological well-being can make the process much more manageable for all involved. Remember to seek support from experienced and well-respected professionals in your community, always prioritize your children’s well-being, and keep your focus on healthier and happier future goals. Divorce is certainly a difficult chapter of anyone’s life, but it doesn’t have to be the definition of your life, and it will not be the end of who you are and what you have to offer to your children or to your community.

If you and your spouse are considering divorce, don’t make any decisions about how to proceed before talking with a trusted attorney in your area. Your divorce and any settlement you create will be subject to your state’s divorce laws. Without discussing your situation with an attorney, your agreement may not be what you want or what is beneficial to your future.

Ben Stevens has provided exceptional legal counsel and support to families throughout South Carolina for over twenty-five years, handling all matters of family law, such as divorce, separation, alimony, and child custody. If you or someone you know is facing a child custody or visitation case, contact our office at (864) 598-9172 or SCFamilyLaw@offitkurman.com to schedule a consultation.

Related Articles by Mr. Stevens:

• The Benefits of Breaking Up: 3 Surprising Reasons Divorce is Not All Bad
• When an Affair Happens – Three Things to Know From a Divorce Attorney
• Reputation Management During High-Profile Divorces: How to Protect Your Good Name