Understanding the Link Between Perimenopause and Divorce

For a woman going through perimenopause, the physical, mental and emotional symptoms can be overwhelming.

It can be a particularly challenging period in her life, and the period of hormonal imbalance can often result in a woman feeling as though she has lost control of her own body and emotions. Some women describe it as feeling as if they are a stroppy, raging teenager again, but this time sweaty and with brain fog.

Symptoms can last for up to around 10 years either side of the last period and the profound body shifts and changes can often cause a woman to struggle with her identity during the menopause, question her physical appearance, health and even her role in the relationship.

It can be tough for a woman to accept these feelings, let alone convey them to a partner.

Couple this with children leaving home and ageing parents, and many couples can drift apart during this time.

With common symptoms being hot flushes, joint pain, as well as feelings of anxiety, depression, mood swings, irritability and decreased libido, this can inevitably put a strain on the marriage.

One of the key considerations of any divorce is the financial settlement.

The Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 sets out the statutory factors which the court must consider, when determining what kind of financial settlement would be appropriate.

Although menopause and biology do not appear as factors to be considered by the court, the following factors are particularly relevant in cases of divorce during the menopause period, including:

• The income or earning capacity that the parties have, or are likely to have in the foreseeable future
• The age of the parties
• Any physical or mental disability of either of the parties

Spousal periodical payments

As a consequence of menopause related health issues, women may be forced to reduce their working hours or leave their employment altogether. It is therefore important to consider the direct impact this will have on any earning capacity and what this could mean for their entitlement to spousal support. 

Division of assets

As women are typically getting divorced at a later age, it is important to consider an equitable division of assets to ensure long term financial stability.  This is especially the case if a woman stops working during perimenopause, since there could be significant challenges around re-entering the workforce in later life.

Pension sharing

Many women may have limited retirement savings of their own, due to focusing on raising their children or supporting their husband’s career in earlier life. It is therefore important to assess what financial security they have and how this can be divided, especially where retirement approaches.