A person going through a divorce has a lot of changes to handle. Not only do they need to undergo the legal process to end the marriage, but they also deal with significant life changes. Add in the emotions that arise due to the split and the situation becomes even more complex.
Many people find that addressing the emotional aspect of the split is difficult, and this can impact the decisions you make during the divorce. You must think carefully about each one in order to protect your interests.
Initiator versus non-initiator
The way a person handles the divorce depends on whether they were the initiator or the non-initiator. The person who initiates the divorce usually has more time to cope with the mental impacts of the split. Even if the non-initiator had an idea the divorce was coming, they might not have been able to work through their emotions as much as the initiator.
The initiator has the chance to figure out what they’re going to do about housing and other changes. Having a plan can lead to less stress because they don’t have to worry about these issues. If the non-initiator is the one who needs to move, they might feel the pressure of having to suddenly find a place and get their belongings there.
Cooperation can reduce stress
In all areas of divorce, cooperation between you and your ex can reduce the stress. Some cases are more contentious, which might mean that you need to rely on your attorney to communicate with your ex. Taking this step can help during property division and child custody matters.
Even if your case requires a trial, you can still take steps to minimize stress. Simply being informed about what’s going on and what options you have might be beneficial. This includes working with your attorney to develop a strategy for the trial.
Remember that blaming each other for things that happened will always negate the efforts you’re making toward a respectful split. With very few exceptions, such as adultery and abuse, it doesn’t matter who did what that led to the divorce. Typically, for the marriage to be dissolved successfully, it is best to focus solely on the pertinent matters common to divorces as they apply to your situation. These may include property distribution, child custody, visitation, child support and alimony.
