If you’re wondering how long it takes to move on from divorce, the honest answer is that everybody’s experience is different. There are some things you can do to make sure you’re as ready as you can be to start your new life and get the most out of it. Here are 7 steps to recovery, drawn from our own experience of supporting our clients.
It’s never too soon to think about the future
As well as helping with the practical side of divorce, we spend a lot of time supporting our clients to prepare for life afterwards. In our view, it’s never too soon to begin thinking about your own goals for the future. In fact, the clearer you are about what you want, the easier it is to negotiate your way through divorce.
Enjoy rediscovering you
Marriage and family life can leave you feeling as if your identity has been lost. For years you have been someone’s wife or husband. Rather than feeling exposed when that role is stripped away, enjoy rediscovering who you are and what you love doing in life.
Accept help
There is no shame in needing a bit of support and you should never feel a failure if you find anti-depressants or therapy helpful. We can put you in touch with counsellors in the local area who are experts in helping people work through post-divorce emotions and challenges.
Don’t worry if friends fall away
One of the most hurtful things about divorce is the way friends drop away. They may stick around at first, perhaps starting to distance themselves as you ask more of them emotionally. Or it might happen later on, when your divorce is over and you start leading a different kind of life that they can’t relate to. This is all part of your changing world and happens frequently enough for us to be able to tell you that it’s nothing personal.
Be kind to yourself
You’re bound to ask yourself if you could have done anything differently but don’t blame yourself for what has happened. Relationship problems build up over time and are rarely down to just one thing. Let yourself off the hook and save your energy for building a new life for yourself.
Meet new people
Old friends may find it hard to adjust to your post-divorce self but anyone new you meet will only know you as you are. Relish the opportunities that this presents and enjoy getting to know different people and discovering new hobbies and interests.
Know that life moves on
However bad you feel right now, it won’t always be this way. The wonderful thing about life is that it moves forward. It may take a few months or a few years for you to find your groove but you will survive divorce and ultimately your life will move on, taking you in a fresh direction.
To speak to one of our friendly solicitors for a confidential chat give us a call today on 01423 594680.
Emma Doughty is family lawyer who provides straightforward, easy to understand advice. She is passionate about helping people and using her expertise to achieve the best outcome possible. She has been described by her clients as “tremendous and incredibly supportive”.
Everyone’s circumstances are different and this article is provided by way of general information only and must not be relied upon. If you require legal advice on a family law issue, please feel free to contact us by emailing enquiries@harrogatefamilylaw.co.uk.
