Love hurts, but so does divorce. No one enters a marriage assuming that everything will end in divorce or separation. And while some divorces are perfectly amicable, for others, divorce proceedings can be incredibly painful.
When a relationship ends, many feelings come up. Here are some tips for working through this transition period and looking towards a future that works for you.
Allow yourself to grieve
A marriage breakdown is a huge adjustment. Regardless of how it came about and what the circumstances are, you’ll likely be grieving. Grieving for what once was or might have been. And that’s normal.
Grief is also not a linear experience. You might feel several different ways about the situation in any one day. You must give yourself the time and space to acknowledge how you’re feeling and try not to fight your emotions – they’re valid.
Find community outside your relationship
It’s not uncommon for couples to entangle themselves in each other’s social lives in a ‘my friends are your friends’ scenario.
During your divorce, it’s hugely beneficial to start looking for connections separate from your relationship. Sports teams, hobbies and groups can be a good place to start. Divorce proceedings can be isolating at times. Keeping up good connections in your community can be a solid anchor for you while you’re working things out.
Find a solicitor you can trust
Having someone in your corner who you know has your best interests at heart is invaluable during a divorce or separation.
It may take time before you find the right person. But make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your solicitor’s ability to support you – they’re likely to be very involved in your life as you carve out a new future, and you need to trust them implicitly.
A good divorce lawyer will not only take care of the legal aspects of your separation; they’ll advocate for you and walk you through the process step by step. You can read what one of our clients had to say about working with us here.
Protect yourself
When you’re ready to get into another relationship, your divorce experience may well impact how you approach things. That’s not to say you’ll become cynical, but you may find yourself thinking more practically when it comes to protecting your finances and assets.
Pre and post-nuptial agreements can give you peace of mind that your intentions are clear in the event of future divorce or separation. Such agreements can be an effective way of reducing the number of painful conversations and making things a little easier should you decide to separate.
Divorce or separation isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Every individual will react differently, and timelines will vary enormously. Good legal support isn’t just about the here and now. It’s about helping you feel optimistic about the future, too.
If you’re considering divorce or separation, put the family law experts in your corner. Contact Harrogate Family Law today to speak with a member of our friendly team.
