Like a rock song, divorce evokes emotions— some good, like relief, liberation, and resilience, and some less constructive which need not be named for anyone who has endured the breakup of their marriage. Drawing inspiration from timeless tunes of the past, here's what you can learn about divorce from classic rock songs:
- “I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor”: Divorce often feels like the end of the world, but (spoiler alert!) you “will survive.” Just like the protagonist in this anthem, you have the strength to pick up the pieces and rebuild your life post-divorce. Embrace your inner survivor, and remember, you're capable of more than you know, especially when you brace yourself with solid legal advice about your options.
- “Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey”: Divorce might impose a false sense of being lost and directionless, but this song reminds us to hold onto hope. Believing in a better tomorrow is crucial during the darkest of times. When your divorce lawyer emphasizes the importance of focusing on the value of new beginnings, take that seriously and look ahead, not backwards.
- “I Want to Break Free" by Queen”: For some, divorce is the ultimate act of liberation, especially if a relationship failed to meet the need for freedom and self-expression. Family law attorneys like to say that no two divorces are alike, which also means that you will find your best future if you embrace your autonomy, break free from the chains of unhappiness, and march to the beat of your own drum.
- “You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones”: The right divorce lawyer will tell you what you need to know, not necessarily what you want to hear. Life doesn't always go according to plan. Divorce forces us to confront this reality head-on and acceptance is key. While you may not get what you want, you can still find peace, happiness, and fulfillment in unexpected places. Take the time to brainstorm with your lawyer, and to express what you want, though, just in case there is a path to getting it.
- “The End" by The Doors”: Divorce marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Endings can be bittersweet and grief might be part of your divorce. We encourage you to let yourself mourn, without getting stuck in the past. Own the good memories, and make sure to address with your lawyer how you will share and preserve memorabilia and items of sentimental value so those parts of your past can be part of the future.
- “Dream On" by Aerosmith”: Divorce can shatter dreams, but should never extinguish ambitions. The changes you make could be your opportunity to chase your passions, fulfill your aspirations, and live life to the fullest. Talk to your lawyer about how you envision your future and what the logical steps would be to get there.
- “Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac”: Divorce often entails diverging paths, but that's okay, even productive when both parties embrace their individual journeys and respect the other’s plans. Keep in mind, however, that literal distance may create problems if you share children, but metaphorical distance can be managed with the help of solid, clearly established ground rules, and sometimes technology, like digital communication. As you work through the logistics of divorce, aim to build confidence in your plans, knowing that your path is uniquely yours to navigate.
Classic rock songs offer more than just catchy melodies—they provide timeless wisdom and solace during life's most challenging moments. Divorce may be a rocky road, but with the right mindset and a killer soundtrack, you might emerge stronger, wiser, and ready to rock on. The experienced, and music loving, family law team at Cohn Lifland is here to help.