When a couple gets married, they never imagine that one day they could find themselves signing divorce papers to officially terminate their marriages. The process is emotional for everyone involved, full of tension and typically includes arguments for almost every couple. However, if you are getting ready for a divorce or already in the middle of one, there are ways to cope with the divorce and strategies that can make it less contentious.
Handling Your Emotions
Divorces signal a collapse, an ending of a relationship and even a family. It can be very emotionally stressful dealing with your own emotions and your estranged partner’s. Arguments are inevitable, but they do not necessarily have to poison everything. Use the following strategies to make your divorce simpler for you and everyone around you:
● Recognize that emotional Rollercoasters are Normal. During divorce, you may feel any range of emotions from anger to anxiety, to happiness and depression, all at the same time. This is normal for either party;
● Take Time to Heal. After years of marriage, it is okay to need time to process and heal. Take the time to take care of yourself so you can take the next steps into the future;
● Avoid Having Fights with Your Spouse/Former Spouse. Disagreements during divorce will happen, but it is better to discuss things openly rather than getting stuck in fighting matches.
● Care For Yourself Emotionally and Physically. Many people neglect themselves emotionally and physically during a divorce, but you will feel better if you are taking care of yourself; and
● Stay Positive. Yes, divorce is a bitter end to one relationship, but it can also spell positive changes. Look on the bright side of things and stay positive for what lies ahead.
Making it Easy for the Children
If the couple has children, one of the most difficult parts of the divorce is talking to them and helping them come to terms with what is happening. Children often find divorce confusing and emotionally trying, but doing the following can help them deal with the changes:
● Reassure and Listen. It is important to assure your children that the divorce is not their fault and that both parents still love them unconditionally. Listen to any concerns they have and do your best to comfort them;
● Continue Normal Routines. Maintaining a consistent routine will keep children busy and assure them that their lives will continue normally despite changes in the family;
● Stay Consistent with Discipline. Part of maintaining a routine means continuing to discipline children in a consistent manner. Parents should agree on homework schedules, bedtimes, rewards, and punishments for good or bad behavior, respectively;
● Keep the Children Out of the Conflict. Many fighting couples fall into the trap of playing the children off each other. It is best to avoid arguing in front of children or speaking negatively about the other parent for their sake; and
● Be Reliable. Only make promises that are realistic and can be kept. Do not confide your own feelings regarding the divorce with them.
Work with a Bloomfield Hills Divorce Attorney
Divorce is a challenging process that you should not have to go through alone. Do not go through your divorce without guidance from an experienced divorce attorney. Contact The Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins for legal support during your divorce. Considered one of the most prominent family law attorneys in the state, Mr. Robbins has extensive experience handling all aspects of divorce in Michigan. For help with divorces in the Tri-County area of Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties or greater Michigan, call 248-646-7980 or contact him online to schedule a meeting talk about your case.