The Emotional Side of Divorce for Entrepreneurs and Professionals

By Bob Matteucci
Attorney

There are no participation trophies in life. Results matter. Performance is rewarded. Success is earned, not assumed. High-achievers learn this lesson at a young age. But its full import may not sink in until much later in life. 

At the Matteucci Family Law Firm, we work with a lot of Albuquerque area business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals like doctors and lawyers whose identity has been shaped by their accomplishments. Their efforts, and the success that flows from it, is measured by things like revenue growth, promotions, and industry awards. 

Their marriages are often something they take for granted. Not because they aren’t valued, but because they don’t have scorecards or quarterly metrics. Because of this, many high-achievers unconsciously treat it as the one area of life that doesn’t require effort or attention. 

They expect a trophy just for showing up. 

When they instead get served with divorce papers, it completely destabilizes them. The question isn’t just “Why did my marriage fail?” but “If this didn’t work, what does that say about me?” and “Will everything else unravel too?”

As a seasoned family law attorney, former business owner, and a divorcee, Attorney Bob Matteucci understands better than most the true toll a divorce can take. He and his team are ready to help you navigate the legal and emotional challenges you are facing. 

The Emotional Cost of “Keeping It Together”

Professionals are often praised for staying calm, rational, and productive. So the image they project to the rest of the world is unflappable. 

Internally, many professionals are wrestling with grief, shaken confidence, and fear that the divorce is just the first sign of failure. Suppressing these emotions rather than addressing them comes at a cost. At some point, they will emerge as exhaustion, irritability, insomnia, or depression. These can all have serious, long-term impacts on one’s overall health. 

Acknowledging the emotional impact of divorce instead of suppressing is a much better choice. And it should not be a difficult one to make. 

Taking a Proactive Approach 

Addressing the emotional toll divorce takes means being upfront about it. Bob and the rest of the Matteucci Family Law team don’t shy away from this topic. We want our clients to get the help they need to move forward with their lives. Help from us, and from others. 

We’re a full-service family law firm that is here for our clients as they navigate all the tricky legal aspects of divorce. But as Bob often points out, he’s the least talented, most expensive therapist in Albuquerque. Divorcees who need to process their emotions will be much better served by seeking out counseling from someone who is licensed to do that sort of work. 

Bob encourages entrepreneurs and other professionals to think about seeking therapy like they would think about hiring a business consultant. There’s a known problem. There’s people out there who are trained to address this type of problem. There’s no reason not to bring them in. 

Other Tips for Overcoming the Emotional Upheaval of Divorce

There are also many other things one can do to improve their emotional well-being outside of therapy. 

  • Lean on family and friends who offer their support.
  • Practice self-care by relaxing, eating right, and exercising.
  • Invest time in relationships and activities that are not performance-based. Spend time with children or do something creative.
  • Renew religious or cultural ties.

The important thing is to do something. Ignoring the mental toll divorce takes only makes things worse in the long-run. 

Serving Families with Dignity & Compassion

When handled thoughtfully, divorce can become a catalyst for positive change rather than the cause of a collapse. Many Albuquerque area business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals the Matteucci Family Law team works with emerge with clearer priorities, healthier boundaries, and a renewed sense of purpose that isn’t solely tied to titles or balance sheets. Contact Bob today if you are ready to discuss your case.

About the Author
Bob Matteucci is a board certified family law specialist, with a statewide practice in the area of divorce and family law.