It is widely accepted that divorce or separation are among the most major upheavals in a person’s life. Every body that goes through a divorce or separation is affected in some way.

According to research from ‘The Family Matters Institute’ divorced people are ten times more likely to be admitted to psychiatric units than married people, and four times more likely to commit suicide.

The effects can also be financial with 60% of separated women immediately having to go onto benefits on separation.

Each party will invariably have to seek help from a variety of sources from legal advisors, mediation and court, to the Child Support Agency, Benefits Agency and financial advisors, to GP’s, counselors and spiritual advisors.

Separation and divorce not only affect the couple. It has a ‘ripple effect’, which can be felt by the children of the family, family and friends, colleagues and acquaintances, employers, support services, and society in general.

Together with the actual parties, children are often the most severely affected by Divorce or separation. It has been found by the ‘Family Matters Institute’ that divorce or separation has a detrimental effect on a child’s education, behaviour, personal development, health, career prospects, and their own relationships in adult life.

You should therefore not be afraid to ask for help whilst you are going through a divorce or separation.