Thinking About Divorce? 3 Key Considerations for Physician Moms Who Aren’t Sure

As a physician mom, you’re used to making high-stakes decisions every day. 

But when it comes to your own marriage, the question of whether to divorce can feel overwhelming and uncertain.

Between demanding shifts, patient care, and parenting responsibilities, the emotional and logistical weight of divorce may seem impossible to navigate.

Just because the thought of divorce has crossed your mind doesn’t mean you have to act on it right away—or that it’s inevitable.

For some, it’s a fleeting thought during a moment of stress. For others, it lingers, becoming a persistent question. So how do you know when it’s time to seriously consider divorce?

When I got married, my (ex) husband and I swore we would never divorce. But years later, I found myself meeting with a divorce lawyer—three years before I actually filed.

A close friend who had been through it told me something that stuck with me: "If you’re not ready for divorce, then you’re not ready. You will know when you’ve done all that you can, and only then will you be truly ready." 

Those words could not have been truer.

Now, I want to share the key insights I gained while contemplating divorce—so you can make the most informed decision for your future.

1. Gather Information About Divorce

As a physician mom, you rely on accurate information to make critical decisions every day—your personal life should be no different. Whether or not you ultimately choose divorce, gathering the right information is essential.

Educating yourself doesn’t mean divorce is inevitable, but it does mean you’ll be prepared if and when the time comes.

Friends and family who have been through divorce may have good intentions, but their experiences don’t always reflect the nuances of your situation. That’s why consulting professionals—such as divorce attorneys, financial experts, and divorce coaches—can provide clarity based on facts, not fear.

I met with my divorce lawyer three years before I actually filed. That conversation didn’t mean I had to take immediate action, but it did help me feel more prepared when the time was right.

2. Clarify Your Intentions for Yourself

Right now, you might feel stuck—torn between staying in your marriage or moving toward divorce. As a physician mom, you’re used to making clear, confident decisions at work. But when it comes to your personal life, the weight of this choice can feel paralyzing. You might be thinking: What if I make the wrong decision? What if I regret leaving—or regret staying?

Take time to truly get clear on what you want—not what others expect from you. Reflect on your values, your long-term vision, and how you want to feel in your daily life. 

You might just realize that with the right tools and support, your marriage is something you want to fight for. 

Or maybe you recognize that staying is no longer aligned with the life you want to build. Either way, you make your decision from a place of clarity—not fear.

That’s the power of intention.

As a divorce coach, I help physician moms step out of the emotional chaos and into intentional decision-making. I’m not here to push you toward divorce or convince you to stay—I’m here to help you get clear on what’s best for you so that no matter what choice you make, you know you made it with confidence.

When you have clarity, you stop wasting energy on indecision and start moving forward with purpose. You parent with more presence, show up at work with more focus, and regain a sense of control over your future.

This is your life. You deserve to live it with certainty and confidence.

3. Trust That Your Future Self Will Be Okay

Right now, the unknown feels overwhelming. As a physician mom, you’ve built a life around stability, yet divorce brings uncertainty. Will I be okay financially? How will this affect my kids? What if I regret my decision? 

The fear of making the wrong choice can keep you stuck.

But what if you trusted that, no matter what happens, you will find a way forward? You don’t need every answer today—just the next step. With each decision, you gain clarity and confidence, knowing your future self will handle what comes next.

You’ve faced high-pressure situations before. You’ve adapted, problem-solved, and led with resilience. Divorce is no different. As a coach, I help physician moms move from fear to self-trust, focusing on what they can control.

You don’t have to have it all figured out today—just trust that your future self will.

Take the Next Step Toward Clarity

You don’t have to navigate this alone. The Divorce Support for Working Women (DSWW) Webinar is a free monthly session where you’ll gain insights from a divorce attorney, a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP), and a divorce coach (that’s me!).

Whether you're just starting to consider divorce or already in the process, this webinar will help you make informed, confident decisions.

🔗 Register for the next DSWW Webinar here →