Legal advice from a good solicitor will limit the financial damage caused by a marriage breakdown, but a new study says that the emotional impact of a divorce can prove much more detrimental in terms of stress and upset than any financial consequences.

A Chicago based study analysed data collected from nearly 9,000 adults ages 51 to 61, the results of which will be published in the September issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior. Approximately 20% of participants were remarried and nearly 22 per cent had previously been married but hadn't remarried. Less than 4 per cent were never married. Results showed that those who had been divorced or widowed suffered from 20 per cent more chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer, compared with individuals who were currently married.

According to experts we start adulthood with a "health stock" that is kept, boosted or deteriorates depending on our marital experience. A theory echoed by Researcher Dr Linda Waite. She believes divorce or widowhood undermines health because along with the heartache, incomes drop and stress develops over issues such as shared child care. 

Anastasia de Waal, of the think tank Civitas, said: "This research highlights the fact that whilst divorce has become much more common, it can take not just a tremendous emotional and financial toll, but also a heavy health one.

This supports our approach to family law at Seddons where we are concerned for our clients' overall wellbeing, not simply looking after the legal issues.  We regularly guide clients to consult medical professionals during divorce and separation to ensure their best interests are protected.  For further information please see our website articles "The emotional impact of divorce and separation" and "5 steps to surviving divorce".