Divorce is often portrayed as a “fresh start,” but it can leave lasting emotional, financial, and
social challenges for families and communities, especially children who bear the deepest impact.
As attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell writes in her book The Cure for Divorce Culture, “Children
crave stability, but when conflict rocks their house they are unable to grow and thrive, (Russell,
p.g 79)” underscoring the need for parents to model resilience and compassion during separation.
At the heart of divorce is the fragmentation of a family system. Children may experience divided
loyalties, disruptions in schooling, and inconsistent parenting schedules. They may live far from
one parent—the average distance after divorce is about 100 miles—making daily guidance and
emotional support harder to maintain. Parents, grappling with emotional and financial stress,
may work longer hours, leaving children with less supervision. Research shows that experiencing
a divorce at an early age increases children’s risk of teen birth by roughly 60 percent, while also
elevating risks of incarceration and mortality by approximately 40 and 45 percent, respectively
(Jacobsen, 2025). The “glow-up” narrative often ignores these serious long-term consequences.
Neighborhoods are not immune. When a divorce leads to the sale of a family home, relocation of
children, or shifts in financial stability, the social fabric of communities can be disrupted.
Families often move to lower-quality neighborhoods, and local schools may see higher turnover.
The invisible threads that tie neighbors together—shared experiences, trust, and stability—can
fray when families are suddenly uprooted.
It’s important to recognize that divorce is not inherently destructive; rather, it is the manner in
which it is handled that determines its impact. Mediation, cooperative parenting, and open
communication are critical tools that help preserve family stability and reduce broader
neighborhood consequences. Parents who prioritize emotional support over conflict, and who
maintain routines and connections for their children, are more likely to mitigate long-term
negative effects.
The idea of a “divorce glow-up” oversimplifies what is, in truth, a profoundly human and
complex experience. As attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell explains, the only glow-up worth
celebrating in divorce is one rooted in accountability, communication, and
responsibility—anything less must be “utterly rejected.” A true #CoParentingGlowUp, as both
attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell and attorney Ashley Michael highlight, deserves recognition
because it prioritizes children, stability, and long-term well-being.
Divorce may break certain structures, but thoughtful navigation can prevent permanent cracks in
the lives of those involved—and in the neighborhoods they call home. Choosing a collaborative
path, as highlighted on the Divorce Healthy podcast, allows the process to be “much more
cooperative… very scheduled… very regimented as it needs to be,” providing structure and
support for families during this transition.
Authored by Dhruvi C.
References:
https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/the-economics-of-divorce-a-new-paper-examines-the-harm-t
o-children/
“The Cure to Divorce Culture,” by attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell, Esq.
“Divorce in the Workforce: A Refined HR
Approach with attorney Ashley-Nicole Russel and attorney Ashley Michael”