Divorce Lawyer for Men in Wilmette

Divorce and related family law issues bring out a lot of negative emotions for couples, especially for men. With sadness, pain, stress, and resentment taking a toll on your emotional well-being, you need to know that there is help available for you. At Gordon & Perlut, LLC, we are always available for men going through the challenging phase of divorce, and well-prepared to provide skilled legal counsel and representation for their case. Our seasoned divorce attorneys have more than 20 years of experience in handling divorce cases in Wilmette and surrounding areas in Illinois with passion and respect.

Our law firm has established its good name among clients because of our ability to give personalized attention to every case. We believe that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for any divorce, and each case should be assessed comprehensively to understand the specific issues, goals, and concerns of clients. We then design an innovative legal strategy that befits your specific situation.

How our Wilmette Divorce Lawyers Help Men

At Gordon & Perlut, LLC, you can count on our Wilmette divorce lawyers to fight for your interests and provide you with assurance in this phase of life encompassing overwhelming uncertainties for you and your family. For men going through a divorce they need to have legal support that carefully guides them through the troubling waters of Illinois family law. You may need to make many difficult decisions during the process, and our Wilmette divorce lawyers can help you steer in the right direction. We understand that every choice you make can have a lasting impact on your life – that is why we work closely with you to ensure you receive favorable outcomes for your divorce settlement.

We also help men to deal with complex, high-net-worth divorce, where their spouse tends to make claims on a major portion of their hard-earned assets and property. We help you draw a fine line between separate and marital property so that the court can properly rule for fair equitable distribution, keeping you from being at a disadvantage and losing your estate.

Statistics on How Divorce Impacts Men

Divorce is not just a legal separation; it is a life-altering event that profoundly affects men on emotional, financial, and social levels. Often overlooked in discussions about divorce, the challenges men face are frequently misunderstood or minimized. Contrary to the popular belief that men manage to “bounce back” more effortlessly, research unveils a more intricate and concerning reality. From heightened mental health risks to significant social isolation and financial turmoil, the statistics illustrate that the consequences of divorce are far-reaching and deeply impactful for men.

Emotional and Mental Health Impact

The emotional repercussions of divorce on men are both alarming and substantial. Studies reveal that men are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide after a divorce compared to their married peers, and they face a staggering four-fold increased likelihood of suicide relative to divorced women. This significant disparity can often be linked to a profound sense of loss—loss of identity, daily companionship, and social support.

While women may lean on their established support networks during tough times, many men tend to internalize their feelings, struggling to express their pain and grief, which can lead to unhealthy coping strategies such as substance abuse. In the aftermath of divorce, men frequently confront feelings of overwhelming depression, anxiety, and a deep-rooted sense of failure.

The abrupt transition from being a husband and father to living as a single individual can shatter their sense of purpose and self-worth. Particularly painful is the grieving process that many men endure, especially if they were blindsided by the divorce or did not wish for it.

Financial Consequences

The financial fallout of divorce can be particularly catastrophic for men, especially those who have traditionally been the primary earners in their households. The process often includes substantial financial obligations, such as spousal maintenance (alimony) and child support, which can drastically diminish their disposable income. On average, couples spend around $7,000 to finalize a divorce, but hidden costs and enduring financial obligations can continue to burden men for years.

In many instances, men find themselves stripped of access to shared assets, including their marital home and retirement accounts, forcing them to rebuild their financial lives from scratch. Furthermore, divorced men generally face more obstacles in remarrying than women do, further complicating their long-term financial stability. In 2008, there were 48.9 remarriages per 1,000 previously married men, compared to only 25.2 for women—a gap that is closing, as fewer men choose to remarry.

Fatherhood and Custody Challenges

For many fathers, the emotional pain of divorce is exacerbated by the loss of daily contact with their children. In most custody arrangements, mothers are awarded primary custody, often leaving fathers grappling with limited visitation rights. This dynamic can foster feelings of alienation, profound grief, and helplessness as fathers navigate an evolving role within their children’s lives.

Even in situations where joint custody is arranged, practical challenges and strained co-parenting relationships can make it difficult for fathers to maintain a strong emotional connection with their children. Research indicates that men who actively engage in their children’s lives after divorce typically experience better emotional health; however, systemic barriers and social stigmas often make that connection challenging to achieve.

Physical Health Decline

The strain of divorce does not merely impact mental well-being; it can also detrimentally affect men’s physical health. Divorced men face increased risks, including:

• Elevated chances of heart disease
• Higher rates of substance abuse
• Deteriorating diet and exercise habits
• A reduced life span

The absence of a supportive partner—who might have promoted healthier lifestyle choices—combined with the emotional turmoil from the divorce can lead to these serious health outcomes. In many cases, men may ignore health symptoms or delay seeking medical attention, further exacerbating potential risks to their well-being.

Social Isolation and Identity Loss

Marriage often provides men with a sense of stability, identity, and social belonging. After a divorce, many men find themselves grappling with a profound sense of disconnection, particularly if their friendships and social engagements were closely tied to their spouse’s social circles or family activities.

Unlike women, who are generally more inclined to maintain friendships and seek emotional support, many men withdraw or feel societal pressures to stoically endure their struggles. This isolation is intensified by societal norms that discourage vulnerability in men, leading them to feel compelled to “tough it out” or avoid discussing their emotions. Such pressures can hinder emotional healing and lead to prolonged psychological distress.

Recovery and Resilience

Despite the array of challenges faced during and after a divorce, it is heartening to note that many men do find a path to recovery and rebuild fulfilling lives. Several key factors contribute to this resilience, including:

• Access to mental health resources that facilitate healing
• Strong, positive father-child relationships that provide emotional sustenance
• Supportive friendships and a sense of community that foster connection
• Effective financial planning and legal guidance

Men who actively pursue therapy, adhere to routines, and strive to find new meanings in their lives often report a gradual improvement in their overall well-being. While divorce can undoubtedly be a challenging journey, it can also serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, requiring deliberate effort and support to navigate successfully.

Divorce profoundly affects men in numerous ways. The emotional trauma, financial strain, health risks, and social isolation reveal a critical need for greater awareness and tailored support for men facing these challenges. By acknowledging these realities and promoting resources that address men’s unique post-divorce needs, society can help cultivate healing, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Discuss your Case with our Men’s Divorce Lawyers in Wilmette, IL

During our 20+ years of courtroom experience, we have seen bias too often by courts against men. That is why most men expect to get minimal results when they decide to get divorced. But with our divorce attorneys who have a proven track record, you can rest assured that we will strive to achieve your goals and vigorously defend your best interests in all divorce proceedings.

If you want to get more information, you may contact the Law Office of Gordon & Perlut, LLC today at 847-329-0101/ 312-360-0250 or use our online form to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your case with our Wilmette divorce attorneys. We have offices in Chicago and Skokie, Illinois.