The Musical “Six”: What The Number Six Can Teach Us About Divorce

Six Wives. Six Stories. The Six Bohannan Stages of Divorce.

The six stages of divorce, a framework first identified by sociologist Dr. Paul Bohannan in 1970, include the emotional, legal, economic, co-parental, community, and psychological dimensions of separation. In Florida, these stages intersect with specific legal requirements, such as Equitable Distribution (FS §61.075) and Parenting Plans (FS §61.13). Modern cultural touchpoints, like the hit musical Six, mirror these stages through the historical narratives of Henry VIII’s wives. Navigating these transitions through certified divorce mediation allows spouses to resolve the legal and economic stages (Stages 2 and 3) more efficiently than contested litigation, which often exacerbates the emotional trauma of Stage 1.

Stage 1: The Emotional Divorce — Catherine of Aragon

“No other queen has been Queen longer than me.”

Catherine of Aragon endured 24 years of marriage before the internal separation began. The emotional divorce is the psychological detachment that frequently precedes legal filings by months or years. Unresolved emotional conflict is a primary driver of post-divorce litigation.

• Practical Step: Establish clear communication protocols early to manage the transition from “spouses” to “co-habitants” before the legal process begins.

Stage 2: The Legal Divorce — Anne Boleyn

“Don’t lose your head.”

The legal divorce is the formal dissolution of the marriage contract under Florida Statutes §61.052. While Anne Boleyn faced a unilateral judicial act, modern Florida couples have agency through Florida Family Law Rule 12.741, which governs the mediation process.

• Practical Step: Request mediation to negotiate your own terms rather than letting a judge impose a final judgment.

Stage 3: The Economic Divorce — Jane Seymour

“I gave Henry a son, and I never saw him grow up.”

The economic divorce involves the division of marital assets and liabilities. In Florida, this is governed by Equitable Distribution (FS §61.075). Jane Seymour’s lack of independent economic identity illustrates the risk of entering this stage without a clear financial inventory.

• Practical Step: Model a post-divorce budget based on a single-income household before signing an agreement.

Stage 4: The Co-Parental Divorce — Anna of Cleves

“I got the whole kingdom and none of the drama.”

Anna of Cleves succeeded because she prioritized long-term stability over the battle. The co-parental divorce is the transition to a “binuclear family.” Under Florida Statutes §61.13, couples must establish a written Parenting Plan that defines time-sharing and decision-making.

• Practical Step: Draft a detailed time-sharing schedule during mediation to reduce the likelihood of future court intervention.

Stage 5: The Community Divorce — Katherine Howard

“All you need is love — I was told.”

The community divorce describes the fracturing of social networks. Katherine Howard’s isolation proved fatal. Research shows that social isolation following divorce is a significant risk factor for delayed psychological recovery.

• Practical Step: Proactively cultivate an independent support network that is not shared with the former spouse.

Stage 6: The Psychological Divorce — Catherine Parr

“I survived. And I did it on my own terms.”

Catherine Parr achieved the final stage: the psychological divorce. This is the development of a fully autonomous identity where self-worth is no longer defined by the former marriage. You have reached this stage when you have made a sustainable peace with the past and established a forward-looking life plan.

Navigating the Six Stages with South Florida Mediation Services

Every dimension of the Bohannan stages—from the economic to the co-parental—is easier to navigate through a structured, confidential process.

Deborah Beylus, a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and 30-year finance veteran, helps couples in Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida resolve the legal and financial complexities of divorce. By addressing all six stages at the mediation table, Beylus helps families reach durable, equitable settlements.

Contact Deborah Beylus at South Florida Mediation Services: 📞 (561) 789-0710 | ✉️ info@southfloridamediationservices.com