How Perimenopause Increases Divorce Risk — and What to Do Before It Gets There

Divorce isn’t the end of your story—it might just be the beginning of the most self-empowered chapter yet. In this episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with SHUMEI HOON, a seasoned family lawyer, and SOPHIE LEUNG, a trauma-informed confidence coach, to explore divorce through both legal and emotional lenses. If you’ve ever wondered how women navigate identity, parenthood, and self-worth during a major life transition, this conversation offers validation, clarity, and hope. What you’ll learn: • Why more women in their 40s are choosing to leave emotionally unfulfilling or toxic marriages • The critical role of financial independence, self-awareness, and emotional exhaustion in divorce decisions • What legally constitutes “unreasonable behaviour” in Singapore—and how it plays out in custody and asset division • How unresolved childhood patterns can silently shape your adult relationships • The power of viewing divorce as a temporary “failure” that’s actually a launchpad for growth, healing, and future love • Practical tips: the 4 things to reflect on before you initiate a separation Whether you’re married, divorced, or simply rethinking what relationships mean to you in midlife, this episode reminds you: your needs, voice, and identity matter—and it’s never too late to start living in alignment. 👉 Support The Forties Formula Podcast by subscribing, sharing this episode, and leaving a rating & review! _____ Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: 🥩 The Meat Club – Get $12 off your first order with code TFF12 🌯 Guzman y Gomez – Want to try their limited-edition Chicken Rendang for FREE? 🍛 Leave us a review, DM us a screenshot, and be one of the first 10 listeners to grab a code! _____ CHAPTERS 03:20 – Why Divorce Rates Are Rising for Women in Their 40s 06:45 – Financial Independence and the Midlife Awakening 09:30 – Emotional Exhaustion and Shrinking to Save a Marriage 14:50 – Infidelity, Value Clashes, and the Reality Behind Breakups 21:00 – Legal Grounds for Divorce: Adultery vs. Unreasonable Behavior 25:40 – Divorce Logistics: Assets, Custody & International Law 31:00 – What to Know About Child Abduction Laws in Expat Divorce 34:20 – 4 Essential Steps to Take BEFORE You File 38:00 – Trauma Bonds, Support Systems & Emotional Recovery 42:10 – The Future After Divorce: Self-Trust and Second Chances 45:30 – Conscious Uncoupling and Co-Parenting Realities 52:15 – What Women Fear Most After Divorce 54:30 – What's YOUR Forties Formula?