The rise of the divorce party in the U.S.

According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 40 to 50 percent of all married couples in the U.S. eventually divorce. Although divorce is common among couples in Illinois, it doesn’t make sorting through divorce-related issues, such as property division and devising a child custody plan, any less difficult. To ease the burden of divorce and to celebrate the dissolution of their marriage, many ex-spouses are now throwing “divorce parties.”

Every divorce party is different

Although no statistics exist yet on the prevalence of this trend, divorce parties are on the rise. According to The Huffington Post, an event planner in New Jersey remarked that she started planning these types of parties about five years ago and now organizes between 10 and 15 a year. The growing popularity of these parties can also be seen in wedding-related businesses. For example, The Huffington Post states that a man who owns two cake stores reported that he created his first divorce cake over 10 years ago and now makes about one every month.

The mood at these parties is typically more uplifting than mournful and they feature activities like reverse weddings, burning wedding gowns, trips to the spa and firework displays. In some situations, divorcees may celebrate by hosting a large gathering with their friends and family members while in others, they may choose to celebrate by themselves. For example, The Huffington Post states that a man decided to go skydiving because it was an activity he and his ex-wife had originally intended to do together.

Recovering after divorce

Although throwing a party may help divorcees deal with some of the difficult leftover emotions of their uncontested or contested divorce , making a complete recovery is a process that takes time. To successfully move on with their lives following divorce, WebMD suggests that divorcees should use the following strategies:

• Take time to mourn-Even if the divorce was for the best, setting aside time to mourn the lost relationship can help ex-spouses recover emotionally.
• Work through lingering emotions-Divorcees should find a way to work through lingering emotions from their divorce so that they can move on with their new life.
• Try new things-After the divorce process has concluded is the perfect time for divorcees to try out a new haircut, go back to school or move to a different location.
• Remember it’s alright to be alone-Recent divorcees should remember that they do not have to rush into another relationship.

Before their divorce settlement is finalized, those who have made the decision to divorce their spouse may find that working with an attorney can contribute to a smooth transition into post-divorce life. If you and your spouse are considering getting a divorce, speak with an attorney in your area who can provide you with guidance throughout the process.