Things to Consider Before Divorcing an Entrepreneur

You’ve been married to an entrepreneur for years, but you have finally decided to file a divorce. In a battle between his/her love for the company and love for you, the company always seems to win.

Every divorce is hard. Emotionally and financially. But when you are divorcing an entrepreneur it gets thousand times more complicated. Here are few tips on how to handle this situation without losing your mind:

1. Think twice before you file the papers

It could be that you feel like you have been suffering for years due to your spouse’s preoccupation with his job. Maybe you sense that you grew apart so much that you don’t know each other anymore. Or your partner may be just starting up his business. No matter what the external circumstances are, you should think twice before deciding to divorce.

If your partner is just establishing his enterprise consider this- first three years or starting a new business are usually the hardest. When the startup period is over your relationship might get better.If, at the moment, your partner is tired, stressed and too involved in something seriously demanding it doesn’t mean it will always be like that. Show understanding and support, if you decide to help them by changing your role in the family and becoming an important part of their business, things might change.

Also, when the storm passes and your spouse earns enough money to hire assistants, managers and so on, he/she will have much more time for you and your family. So, don’t give up too soon. Remember, you did say for better or worse.

2. You’ll be dealing mainly with their lawyers

If you still decide that you should go through with your decision, be ready to hear from their lawyer instead of them, on a daily basis. You’ve realized by now how much the company means to your partner. It sure means enough that it cost them their marriage. That is why you should be ready for the fact that they will do anything they can to protect their business.

You are probably just tired of being with them, and you don’t really care about the money as long as you and your kids have enough to live, but at this point, your spouse doesn’t think the same. So, make a concrete decision on what you want to gain from a divorce process and stand behind it.

Hire a lawyer for yourself too. Finance specialist also might be a good idea. They will help you figure out your rights and make sure that the fight stays fair till its very end.

3. Alimony might be great, but…

If you have children together and you are the one who gets custody, you will get alimony too. If your spouse’s business is successful, this will be probably a large sum that will regularly be paid every month, right on time. On the other hand, if your partner is struggling with their entrepreneurship, things won’t be so simple.

You will still have right to receive alimony, but will you get it as you should? No one knows. If something like that happens, be ready to make another call to your attorney and let them handle the situation. Your kids should be in a first place, and they should always have everything they need.

On the other hand, alimony is not enough. You divorced your spouse for one main reason – they neglected you and your kids. This probably won’t change after the divorce. They might pay generous sums to assure their children’s well-being, but they still won’t be here. They will call to reschedule visits and even when they find time to see their kids, they will probably be distant and thinking about work.

Make sure to talk to your children about that kind of experiences. Explain to them that even when adults have to work and don’t find enough time to spend with them, that doesn’t mean they don’t love them, care for them or worry about them. Don’t be your ex-partner’s enemy and don’t turn your children against them.

If you find this task too difficult and you feel like your emotions might cloud your judgment, hire a professional. Child psychologist, therapist or counselor might help them with the whole process of divorce and transition to the life with a single parent.

Also watch: 7 Most Common Reasons for Divorce

4. What if you are running a business together?

This is a specific and tricky situation. Once you become ex-spouses but current business partners, you should be careful about your relationship. Don’t let old problems kick in.

You are in advantage in some way, because you have a business partner you truly know. Be honest, divide responsibilities and take a vacation once the divorce is over. You deserve a few days to relax and prepare yourself for seeing your ex every day, but not romantically.

Stay strong; divorce is not the end of the world. You might even realize that you feel much better this way.

Continue exploring this topic

Talk to our Marriage.com AI Relationship Coach

Chat with me, ask questions and get help

Start Chatting

Marriage.com AI: Your Relationship Guide

Talk through what's on your mind.

Automated

Hi, I'm your relationship guide. What's on your mind?

YOU COULD START WITH

What should I consider before divorcing an entrepreneur?

How does an entrepreneur's commitment affect a divorce?

AI guidance only - not therapy. In crisis? Call a helpline or Find a Therapist

Terms

Marriage.com Editorial Team Relationship & Marriage Advice

The Marriage.com Editorial Team is a group of experienced relationship writers, experts, and mental health professionals. We provide practical and research-backed advice on relationships. Our content is thoroughly reviewed by experts... Read more to ensure that we offer high-quality and reliable relationship advice. Read less

Marriage.com Assessment

What Help Does Your Relationship Need Most Right Now Quiz

Reviewed byJennifer Schulz, LCSW

Backed by relationship science and evidence-based psychology, this assessment helps identify the area of your relationship that deserves the most attention right now, whether things feel strong or slightly off. Research shows that even healthy relat...

Questions: 20 | Last updated: Jan 23, 2026

Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

Take the Quiz Now