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divorce at 40

Starting Over After Divorce at 40: A Fresh Start Awaits

June 17, 20254 min read

Going through a divorce at 40 can feel like life has thrown you a curveball. You might have imagined being settled by now—but instead, you’re navigating change, uncertainty, and the question: “How do I start over at 40 after divorce?”

At Rebuilders International, we’ve helped thousands of men and women rediscover themselves after divorce in their 40s. The good news? Starting over after divorce at 40 isn’t an ending—it’s the beginning of a more authentic, fulfilling chapter. Here’s how to rebuild with confidence.

Facing the Shift at 40

Divorce in your 40s brings its own challenges—you might be juggling kids, career goals, or financial pressure. It’s easy to wonder “Is there life after divorce at 40?” The answer is yes.

The first step is giving yourself grace. Let the dust settle and allow yourself to feel whatever comes—grief, relief, or even hope. Many people we work with find that small, consistent actions help them move forward faster.

Join one of our Virtual (Zoom) Classes (starting every 2–3 weeks) to connect with others rebuilding after divorce at 40. Real stories, real growth.

Want to rebuild every part of your life after divorce? Dive into our main page, Post-Divorce Life: A Complete Guide, for a full plan to move forward.

Practical Steps to Move On

Getting Your Finances in Check

Learning how to survive divorce at 40 often starts with money. You may be adjusting to a single income or managing new expenses. Take time to review your budget and identify what really matters.

Our Rebuilders Workbook ($14.99) includes practical templates to help you take control of your financial life after divorce at 40. Small steps toward financial stability build big confidence.

Rediscovering Your Passions

One of the most rewarding parts of starting over after divorce at 40 is rediscovering who you are. Think back to what brought you joy before marriage—music, hiking, painting, or travel—and bring it back into your life.

Try a weekly “Passion Day” where you focus on something that lights you up. It’s one of the most powerful ways to move on after divorce at 40.

Building a New Routine

Routine creates stability. Start small—morning coffee, journaling, or a short walk. Over time, these rituals remind you that life is moving forward.

If you’re starting over at 45 after divorce, remember that your wisdom and experience are huge assets. Focus on balance, self-care, and gentle consistency.

Finding Support and Connection

Leaning on Others

You don’t have to do this alone. Reaching out for support makes the transition smoother and faster. Join our Every Tuesday Night Support Group ($47/year) to share experiences with others navigating divorce in their 40s.

Thinking about dating again? Explore our guide, Dating After Separation, for mindful ways to rebuild trust and connection.

Handling Co-Parenting

If you have children, divorcing in your 40s often means mastering co-parenting. Keep communication clear and consistent with your ex-partner to create stability for your kids. Rebuilders offers proven frameworks through our community programs to help parents thrive post-divorce.

Overcoming the Tough Moments

Dealing with Doubts

Even after progress, doubts can creep in—wondering if you’ll ever feel happy again. Remember, surviving divorce after 40 isn’t just about moving on; it’s about moving up.

Book a Private Coaching session to explore one-on-one support that meets you where you are. You’ll gain clarity, structure, and emotional strength for the road ahead.

Staying Positive

Whether you’re divorced at 40 or starting over after divorce at 45, optimism grows through practice. Write down three good things each day. They can be as simple as a good meal, a kind text, or a new idea for your future.

For deeper healing, explore our Self-Paced eCourse—a guided path to peace, confidence, and happiness.

Rebuilders Is Here for You

At Rebuilders International, we combine community, education, and proven psychology to help you rebuild life after divorce at any age.

  • Virtual Classes – new sessions every 2–3 weeks.

  • Rebuilders Workbook – practical tools for clarity.

  • Private Coaching – personal support tailored to you.

You’re not alone in this. Many who once wondered “divorced at 40, now what?” have built thriving, joyful lives—and you can too.

Your Next Move

Starting over after divorce at 40 is your opportunity to create a life that truly reflects who you are. With the right support, mindset, and steps, you’ll not only survive—but flourish.

Rebuilders is here to help you every step of the way.

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Kevin Van Liere

Divorce Coach, CEO of Rebuilders International

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Divorce Support & Recovery

Welcome to the #1 most comprehensive divorce recovery program in the world.

Does the Rebuilders

System Really Work?

Below you’ll see that the Rebuilders International system really works, why it is unique, and what we do. We will let this information stand for itself! And yes, of course results will vary but with only a few hours a week you can have a life changing experience.

The Rebuilders Background:

40 Years Of Changing People's Lives.

Meet Dr. Bruce Fisher

The founder of the Rebuilders program was Dr. Bruce Fisher (1931-1998). He was born in Iowa but spent most of his adult life in Boulder, Colorado. He was a popular divorce therapist, author, teach and a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. As he worked with clients dealing with divorce he realized that traditional therapy didn’t work efficiently.

He began working with his clients in groups and eventually found that there are 19 “steps” that people must work through to effectively “Rebuild” their lives. From this work he wrote the book “Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends.” We still use this book as a reference in our classes. Since he wrote the book over 30 years ago we have learned a lot and the program has evolved considerably. Now we find that there are more “steps” and that there are some elements that Dr. Fisher wasn’t aware of or misunderstood. However, he still created a powerful foundation for the program that we run today.

See The Data...

"I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to have taken this journey with you and the class. It’s been very mind blowing and a real eye opener. It changed my life."

Mike

How our program works...

Head

Your thinking, mindset, beliefs, and values all influence how you respond to the traumatic experience of divorce. We show you how to step outside of the rumination about the past. Learn to step outside of the normal traps that keep people stuck thinking about the past.

Heart

Many people suppress, depress, or repress their feelings. Divorce brings so many “difficult” feelings. We give you tools to work through them, use them, and feel the “good” feelings again -like HAPPINESS, JOY, AND LOVE.

Identity

In marriages people “lose” themselves. When the marriage ends they don’t know who they are as a single person. We help you connect with yourself so that you can be comfortable being alone in your own skin.

The Program Works Regardless of Your Situation!

Considering Divorce?

Learn what you can do find the best path forward

It is a very difficult time in your life when you are facing the possibility of divorce. We offer a wide variety of tools, information and personal coaching to help you.

In the Divorce Process?

Divorce Resources – Support for All Stages of Divorce

When you are dealing with divorce there is a lot going on. There are legal issues, financial issues, emotional issues, parenting issues and more. When faced with all of these pressures we see that people that pay attention to the emotional effect of divorce are better able to navigate everything else much better.

Divorced?

The Papers are signed...

Whether you are recently divorced or it has been years, the wounds from divorce are real. Time does not heal all wounds, it just scabs over them. So if you are ready to learn more about what you can do to HEAL then click below.

Get guidance on how to best recover during this very challenging time in your life.

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Copyright © 2025 Rebuilders International, LLC, All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Rebuilders International, LLC, All rights reserved.