Divorce can be an unwelcome change or it can be a much-needed one, but either way, it’s a turning point in one’s life. Whether you wanted this divorce or not, getting through the next few months will be a little tricky. Here are four tips for how to cope with divorce so you can start the process of building a new life for yourself.

1. Make sure you’re in a financially sound place. Sometimes, just going through a divorce can be a financial hardship. Once the separation agreement is settled, and your finances and property are divided, it will be easier to make plans and set a budget. While the divorce is in progress, though, things might be tough financially, especially if you’re not the primary breadwinner. Fortunately, the court can award temporary support, known as “pendente lite,” to ensure everything is fair and stable for both parties until the divorce is finalized.
2. Find someone to talk to. Even if it was your decision, divorce can be traumatic, and it’s natural to want to talk to someone about what you’re going through. Your best course of action may be to find a therapist who will help you learn how to cope with divorce, but if that’s not an option, choose a friend you trust to be your confidant and to offer advice when needed. Don’t make the common mistake of venting to your kids. It’s important for kids to maintain relationships with both of their parents, and that’s hard to do when they’re pulled into the middle of the fighting.
3. Retain a good lawyer. Even if you’re overwhelmed with everything you’re facing, and especially if you’re overwhelmed with everything you are facing, having a good lawyer is one of the most important things you can do right now. A divorce attorney knows what needs to be done and when, and can be a guide during an overwhelming time. Most importantly, they can use their experience to give your case the best possible chance of a positive outcome.
4. Keep one eye on the future. Getting divorced gives you a lot to think about and do. It’s easy to get lost in the frustration of the moment, and forget to keep in mind what you’ll need for the future. A lawyer can help with this too, and will know everything you need to pay attention to and what kind of resolution you can reasonably expect. Especially if you have kids or pets that will be dependent on you after the divorce, it’s important to make sure you don’t sacrifice your future for an easy resolution in the present moment.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your divorce, the first thing you need to do is make sure you have a support structure in place. That means a legal professional to help guide the “nuts and bolts” of your divorce, and hopefully a psychological professional to help you figure out how to cope with divorce emotionally, as well. For more information about how our practice can help, or to schedule a consultation, contact Simon Law Group today.