Single, childless women may be the happiest of us all, finds Paul Dolan, a professor of behavioral science at the London School of Economics and the author of Happy Ever After. While society traditionally values and praises women who are married with children, these attributes do not correlate with happiness, citing evidence from the American Time Use Survey.

It is worth noting, however, that humans vary greatly in their preferences from individual to individual. What may make one individual happy can make another miserable.

Marriage is considered a joyous, life-changing milestone. It is a commitment that is emotional, physical, financial, and ultimately, legal. Therefore, most people marry with the intention of upholding their vows for a lifetime. But what happens when one person or both parties in a relationship realize that they need to end the relationship? 

Life does not always happen as we wish or plan. A study found that the most common reasons for divorce included infidelity, conflict, domestic violence, substance use, and a lack of commitment. These issues can be incredibly difficult to resolve, and if resolved, yet still difficult to move past, forever leaving the relationship not as it once was.

The United States Census Bureau finds that almost half of Americans who are over age 18 are single and that people who do get married are doing so later in life. Once seen as taboo, divorce, singlehood, and single parenthood no longer carry the same stigma as they once did in our culture. 

There are many across the country who are currently married but ready to be single. And it is more than likely that none of them wish to endure a process that takes longer than it has to. To avoid the possibility of a complicated or draining litigation process along with paying expensive fees to a divorce lawyer, married people are turning to divorce mediation. Mediation helps married couples divorce without litigation. Issues of legal separation are discussed through facilitation by a licensed mediator, a neutral third party, in order to reach mutually beneficial terms of the settlement. In her Newport Beach Office, Colleen McNamee of McNamee Mediations has helped couples divorce respectfully and amicably. Mediation is often far less financially and emotionally stressful than litigation, which is especially important for those who are concurrently experiencing financial and emotional strain in their lives. With children, a peaceful divorce is especially important to the health and well-being of all who are involved and affected. 

“One of the most important relationships you will have is with yourself. “Being single can provide a valuable opportunity to learn about your likes/dislikes, embrace your authentic self, and explore hobbies or activities you’ve been itching to try.”

— Roxy Zarrabi, Psy.D., clinical psychologist

Marriage is generally seen as a celebration, pinnacle, and milestone. But that does not mean that the end of a marriage has to be a negative experience. In fact, divorce can instead be a celebration of individual happiness, of a new beginning.

If you are seeking a professional divorce mediator, you can give McNamee Mediations a call today.

McNamee Mediations
4590 MacArthur Blvd Suite 500, Newport Beach, CA 92660