Divorce is traumatizing during any stage of life. But it takes on different layers of overwhelm in middle age and beyond, when we are dealing with other issues like retirement, caring for elderly parents, and worrying about our adult children.

It’s a lot to handle, but when you know what to expect, a lot of that stress may decrease. While there are many logistical and financial things to address during a divorce, understanding what to expect emotionally lays the groundwork for the road ahead.

Prepare Yourself

Here are just a few of the things to prepare yourself for when your marriage is ending at age 50.

1)   You will doubt yourself.

You will feel so afraid of the unknown that you will reason that even though you are miserable, you at least are comfortable and that you can endure your unhappy marriage. In your heart of hearts you know it isn’t true. You will bargain with yourself because you are scared. Know that this is normal.