The Myth of No Big Deal. Healing from the Overlooked Impact of Later-Life Divorce on Adult Children and Families - Wendy Fisher House

When parents divorce later in life, the world often shrugs: They're grown. It's no big deal. But for adult children-and for the family as a whole-it can be a seismic shift.

In The Myth of No Big Deal, Wendy Fisher House, PhD, a psychotherapist with more than forty years of clinical experience, shines a compassionate, clear-eyed light on one of the fastest-growing yet least understood family transitions: later-life divorce. Drawing on decades of work with individuals and families, she reveals why this life change reverberates far beyond the couple-and why the developmental stage of both parents and adult children profoundly shapes the impact.

Organized into five accessible parts, this comprehensive guide explores:

Through vivid case examples and clearly explained concepts, readers will recognize their own families in these pages-and find language for experiences that often go unnamed.

Whether you are a parent considering divorce, an adult child struggling to make sense of it, or a professional supporting families in transition, The Myth of No Big Deal offers wisdom, validation, and actionable guidance. Thoughtfully organized and rich with takeaways, it is both a roadmap and a reassurance: families can redefine themselves with honesty, respect, and even renewed connection.

Because it is a big deal-and with understanding and intention, it can also become a turning point toward