Getting engaged and planning a wedding is an exciting time in a person’s life as they anticipate what their future holds. Many couples look forward to sharing a lifetime of adventures, such as traveling, buying a house, raising children, or retiring together.
Unfortunately, many couples don’t make it to retirement. Between four and five out of every ten couples get divorced. A divorce—even an uncontested divorce—involves completing a legal process. Couples may have to deal with dividing property and assets ro deciding about spousal support. Couples with minor children must also address child custody and child support. Going through a divorce can be stressful. Use these tips to navigate your divorce successfully and minimize your stress.
1. Hire a divorce lawyer.
Lawyers are legal experts who specialize in different fields of law. Family law attorneys handle a variety of cases, including adoptions, divorces, and child custody suits. Some couples consult family law attorneys before getting married and prepare a prenuptial agreement, while others don’t consider calling a family law attorney until they’re served divorce papers.
Your divorce attorney is your advocate. These lawyers have years of experience and familiarity with relevant case law that can be used to build your case. Divorce attorneys understand factors that can be used to establish why your spouse should have to pay spousal support or why you should receive specific assets in the divorce settlement. Google “New Orleans divorce attorney” (if you live in New Orleans) to locate an experienced divorce attorney in your area. Family lawyers typically offer a free consultation, ensuring you feel comfortable with them before hiring them to represent you during your divorce.
Your divorce attorney can also handle child custody. If necessary, they’ll consult a child psychiatrist and other experts to establish why you should be awarded child custody. Your divorce lawyer will also fight for you to receive child support to care for your minor children.
2. Invest in self-care.
Coping with the stress of divorce can be challenging, which is why it’s a good idea to talk to a mental health professional, such as a counselor or psychiatrist. Finding a therapist can be daunting, but With Therapy simplifies the process by prompting you to answer specific questions about your needs. Their system helps you locate a mental health professional who can address your needs. Whether you’re looking for long-term psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy to help you change unhealthy behavior patterns, a licensed therapist can help you manage your mental health and restore or maintain a positive outlook about your future.
Make sure you indulge yourself. Divorce can raise concerns about your financial future, but making room in the budget for some new clothes can boost your confidence. You can pair petite tops with jeans, dress pants, skirts, shorts, and leggings and add some flair to your wardrobe. Shopping for tunics and tees in your favorite colors is an excellent way of reinforcing your preferences and asserting control over your choices. Shopping can also help take your mind off the divorce. You can also redefine your image, and while you’re at it, buy a brand new outfit to wear to the courtroom for your divorce hearings.
Other ways you can invest in your self-care include planning a day trip to a spa. Get a new hairstyle or a relaxing massage to take your mind off your divorce. Taking a mini-vacation with friends is another way to refocus and relax.
3. Plan for the future.
It’s natural to grieve during a divorce. Part of the grief stems from the loss of the future you’d planned with your spouse. If you don’t make new plans or indulge in new dreams about your future, it can make it harder to overcome your grief and move forward.
While there are many things people can gain from marriage, many people feel they lose part of themselves as they sacrifice interests or goals for their relationship. When you’re getting divorced, you can reclaim those pieces of yourself that you might have set aside. Consider your interests. You may have had career goals you put on hold while your spouse pursued opportunities. It could be time to consider a career change or pursue advancement opportunities.
You may have old or new interests you’d like to pursue. Taking a course and learning a new skill is a great way to give yourself a fresh start. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to write a book or learn how to play the guitar. Signing up for a Masterclass can be a great way to invest in yourself and ensure you have the skills you need to pursue some of your dreams.
You may not be ready to date again, but that’s something you should consider for your future. Do you want to consider getting remarried? If so, do you have conditions that could determine who you date? Before you download a dating app, consider what you want out of future relationships to ensure you don’t repeat past mistakes.
Planning for the future will help you look forward as you deal with your divorce, instead of dwelling on the past. It can motivate you to finalize legal agreements and take the steps required to settle disputes with your spouse.
Going through a divorce can be stressful, but you can simplify the process and protect your legal rights by hiring a divorce attorney. Investing in your self-care and planning for the future will also help you effectively navigate your divorce.
