If you are facing a divorce, you likely feel very overwhelmed by everything that is happening. There are so many decisions you have to make, and these decisions are even more critical and complicated when you have children.
One effective technique to help you move through your divorce in a more strategic and streamlined way is to outline various areas that need your attention. When you divide these components of your divorce into categories and consider each in turn, your divorce proceeding can feel much more manageable.
1. Financial matters
Finances are an important aspect to consider because the separation is likely to have a significant impact on your financial future. The key here is to begin focusing on your financial independence from your ex. Some steps you can take now include opening an individual checking account and beginning to establish your own credit separate from that of your ex. If your spouse handled the finances in your marriage, now is the time to start educating yourself about budgeting techniques and keeping track of your income and expenses.
2. Child custody
Children are another major factor in divorces. If you have children with your ex, you need to consider their best interests as you move through your divorce. Although you may not want to ever see your ex again, your former spouse is your children’s parent and as such your children need to maintain their relationship with him or her. There are many ways you can create a workable child custody agreement that satisfies your needs as well as those of your ex while keeping your children’s needs in the forefront.
3. Emotions and decision-making
Divorce is an emotionally trying time, and when you make decisions based on your emotions, those decisions are not always the most effective for your long-term future. Build a support network around yourself of trusted friends and family, as well as professionals such as a qualified family law attorney and a mental health counselor. Support and self-care are essential so that you can continue to be effective in your daily life as well as a good parent to your children despite the trauma of the divorce process.
