Divorce is a life-altering journey filled with emotional and financial challenges. When a marriage ends, it can feel like the world around you is crumbling. Here, we will explore ways to navigate both the emotional and financial costs of divorce.
The Emotional Costs:
Emotions run high during a divorce. You may experience feelings of grief, anger, betrayal, or relief, often all at once. It’s crucial to acknowledge your emotions and know that the only way is to move through them. Seeking support from a therapist is a valuable step in managing the emotional turmoil. They can provide you with tools to cope and help ground you when everything seems overwhelming.
Divorce can also strain your relationships with family and friends. Loved ones may not fully understand the complexities of your situation, and it’s common for them to give advice that might not be helpful. It’s essential to spend your time with people who do not add to the stress of what you’re going through. This time will pass and your life will open up once again to include some of these relationships that are not serving you in this moment. Engaging in new social activities and hobbies can also help you rebuild your social network and strengthen your emotional well-being.
The Financial Costs:
The financial implications of divorce are undeniable. Legal fees, property division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements can all put a dent in your finances. To navigate these costs, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your financial situation.
Collaborate with your attorney and a financial advisor to make informed decisions about cash flow, property and asset division. Protecting your financial future is vital, but understanding your underlying interests for what you want for your future is key. This will look different from person to person, so try to ignore advice found on the internet. Working with an experienced mediator or a Collaborative attorney will help you to understand what makes the most sense for you. Spending resources on a good professional team now will save you valuable resources in the long-run.
Divorce is an exhaustive and trying process, but being aware of both the emotional and financial aspects, you can navigate it successfully. Seek support from professionals and lean on your support system of friends and family. Remember that you are not alone and you can rebuild your life and look forward to a brighter future.
To schedule a consultation with the author of this article, Katie McGinley Petersen, please call Kehoe Moneyhun Law, LLC at 503.281.0624, by visiting www.kmmediation.com, or by emailing hello@kmmediation.com. Our office is located at (by appointment only) 2005 SE 192nd Ave, Suite 200 Camas, WA 98607.
