Modern divorces are often associated with messy legal battles that can bring anyone’s personal, family and professional life to a standstill. While there’s no doubt these situations can be stressful and emotional, there are some steps you can take to preserve your social life, friendships, confidence and potentially even your bank account.
Contact An Attorney
The absolute best way to get through these legal proceedings without going crazy is to contact a divorce attorney as soon as you believe a separation is likely. While this might sound like an aggressive move, it could actually make this process much easier, as there will be an outsider you can work with to come up with a fair and reasonable agreement with your ex.
Professional legal firms like Blumenauer Hackworth will also work with divorces that include children. This means you will always have someone on you and the kid’s side when things get challenging.
Talk With Your Ex
While an attorney will help you navigate the legal side of a divorce, you and your ex will need to work through the social aspects. If it’s at all possible, you and your ex should take some time to talk about your children, mutual friends and activities.
This might include an agreement to not speak ill of one another or not drag friends and especially your children through the divorce. Find a way to compromise and schedule around each other.
It might be hard to keep your feelings out of these talks, but make your best effort to stay calm and logical when it comes to arranging different plans. When this isn’t possible, you’ll need to speak with your friends directly and solicit help and advice from those you trust.
Talk With Friends
An ugly divorce will most likely result in at least some of your friends and family members taking sides. Anyone that has friends they are absolutely set on keeping, should go speak with those people directly.
You will often be able to hedge off arguments and uncomfortable situations before they even take place by speaking openly and honestly. You can tell them the divorce turned sour, but you would still like to maintain a relationship.
If they feel the same way, then you can move forward from there and have another ally with you during this time.
Take Time for You
Don’t forget to give yourself a break and some breathing room. While your days are likely now filed with paperwork and long to-do lists, make some time to just relax and be alone. Whether it’s a small meditation session on your bed, or reading a book you enjoy, when you have a chance to relax and be yourself, you can face the rest with a bit more confidence.
Create New Memories
One of the best things you can do for yourself after a divorce is to start creating new friendships and memories. During a marriage, many couples will find almost every facet of their lives intertwined. This can make divorces especially emotional. Taking some time to explore new hobbies or activities that you were interested in before your marriage will help you stay sane throughout this process.
Maybe you can take up mountain biking again, or finally find room in your schedule for pottery class. Choose something engaging and that makes you happy.
It’s nearly impossible to get through a divorce without it affecting your daily life in some manner. In many situations, however, being upfront with your friends and speaking with an attorney will help you maintain control over your finances, personal life and career.
Did you know divorce can be contagious? Learn more about the divorce virus by clicking here.
