A Guide to Dealing with the Stress That Comes with a Divorce or Separation
When you suddenly decide that your relationship has reached the point of no return, it is indeed a sad time. The life you had planned for you and your partner is no longer a goal, and for many people, contemplating life without their partner can be very stressful at the best of times. In order to minimise the stress of a divorce or separation, here are a few tips to help you get through this most difficult of times.
- Legal Counselling – It is essential that you make contact with an experienced divorce lawyer, and the sooner you do this, the better. People tend to be very emotional when discussing the details of a separation, and if you are not careful, the outcome can be something that is unfavourable for you. With an experienced lawyer in your corner, you can be sure that your best interests will be paramount, and when you consider that your ex-partner will surely have legal representation, you simply can’t afford not to.
- Seek Out Good Friends – If ever there was a time to seek out good friends, this would be it, and rather than spending too much time on your own, you need to spend time with people who understand what you are going through. Taking up a new hobby or pastime is also recommended, as this will take your mind off things, and resist the temptation to seek solace from alcohol or drugs, as this will lead to a further set of problems.
- Mediation – When two people decide to end their relationship, there are legal aspects to consider, and talking with your ex-partner can be very stressful, which is why you are advised to let your family lawyer handle all communication on your behalf. If things like joint asset division and child support can be agreed upon by both parties, there is no need to bother a family court, and this will save you a lot of money. If, on the other hand, an agreement cannot be reached, you may have little choice than to put your case in front of a family judge, and if this happens, you really do need a good family lawyer in your corner to ensure a favourable outcome.
- Change of Lifestyle – In order to minimise the stress that comes with a divorce or separation, you are advised to make some lifestyle changes. Start by removing all objects in the home that are likely to remind you of your ex-partner, plus change your daily routine and avoid spending too much time on your own.
- Learning to Let Go – This is one of the hardest things to do when going through a divorce or separation, and try not to get into a mindset whereby you think things might return to how they once were. Acceptance is a key factor, and while it might be difficult to accept that the relationship is over, the sooner you accept it, the easier it will be to plan for the future.
Despite the empty feeling you might have, time is a good healer, and by taking all of the above into account, you can look forward to the next exciting chapter of your life.
