Almost all divorces will involve financial and emotional difficulty, and many people struggle throughout the entire divorce process.
Yet often the divorce will be completely necessary, and for all involved, the main focus will be just on getting through the process so they can move on and enjoy the rest of their lives.
So, we’ll explore some popular tips given to help those going through a divorce get through it and come out the other side with their confidence intact.
Not just surviving, thriving!
The goal shouldn’t be to simply survive a divorce; it should be to come out of the process thriving as an individual and looking forward to the next chapter of your newly official single life.
With seemingly endless paperwork to do, and countless difficult conversations to be had about everything from alimony payments to child custody and spousal support, it can be all too easy to forget that there will be good times ahead and that you have plenty to look forward to as you enter your next chapter.
While it does nobody any favors to pretend that divorce is easy, there are things that you can do to make the whole process more manageable and less stressful.
Before we get into the details though, we should start by first highlighting that the splitup app itself was actually purpose-built to make understanding divorce easier and less stressful.
If you haven’t already done so, we would strongly recommend that you download and install our app, and explore the extensive range of content we have on offer to provide you with support and guidance to help you confidently navigate the world of divorce and family law.
That being said, we would also caution that if you do find yourself struggling throughout your divorce there is no better substitute to speaking with your close friends, family, and/or loved ones. It is also a good idea to speak with a licensed therapist or counselor for further support and guidance.
Popular tips to help you get through your divorce
Now, on to the tips that could help you better navigate your divorce and come out the other side feeling positive and motivated to see what life as a legally single individual has to offer.
Tip #1 - Selecting the right kind of divorce
If you are still on good terms with your ex, and it’s possible to discuss the kind of divorce that you intend to file for, selecting a no-fault divorce could be a good option to minimize stress and hurt all around.
In a no-fault divorce, neither spouse has to accept blame for the end of the marriage, meaning you can quickly proceed to the most important bit - discussing and aligning on the separation agreement.
While agreeing on things like alimony payments, division of assets and debt, child custody, and spousal support will never be easy, you may find it a lot easier if neither party feels like they’re shouldering blame for the divorce to begin with.
Tip #2 - Speak to your support network
Try to avoid waiting until you feel really stressed and overwhelmed before reaching out and speaking to your support network.
Frequently speaking to and sharing your thoughts and concerns with your family, friends, and wider support network can go a long way in helping you feel positive, motivated, and level-headed when it comes to your divorce.
It’s never too late to reach out to a loved one. Just voicing that you’re struggling is often more than enough to open up a conversation, and you could be surprised by just how beneficial it is to open up to a loved one or licensed professional.
Tip #3 - Starting to plan for your next chapter
While the future can seem daunting when you’re going through a divorce, try not to lose sight of the fact that there is a whole new and exciting chapter that you will be embarking on once your divorce is finalized.
Perhaps counterintuitively, starting to plan for what life looks like once your marriage has been legally dissolved can be exciting and give you back a sense of control at a time when you could easily be feeling like you’re at the mercy of the courts.
Tip #4 - Giving yourself the time to grieve your marriage
While there are no doubt very real reasons why you and your spouse are getting divorced, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you no longer care for them or that there aren’t elements of your marriage that you will miss.
Giving yourself proper time and space to grieve the loss of your marriage, and perhaps your connection to your spouse, is an important part of moving on and setting yourself up for a bright and happy future outside the marriage.
You are likely to feel a mix of emotions as you progress through the divorce process, and allowing yourself to fully feel, reflect on, and share them is always encouraged.
Tip #5 - Prioritize self-care
Between work, filing divorce papers, and engaging in financial discovery, and perhaps also being a doting parent, it can feel like you have no time at all to take care of yourself throughout the divorce process.
Still, making time to do things that you enjoy and/or treating yourself to something that you have had your eye on for a while is important.
Doing something just for you and making time for yourself can be a welcome break from thinking about or dealing with divorce-related tasks and give you some much-needed breathing space to reflect on all the changes that might be happening and what that means for your future.
Tip #6 - Consider divorce counseling
Divorce is complex, and the end of a marriage can bring up a whole range of different emotions. No matter how well you’re dealing with it, it can’t hurt to at least consider seeking out the services of a specialist divorce therapist or counselor.
We have mentioned how important it is to leverage your support network. The right therapist or counselor could be an important addition to your network to get you feeling comfortable and confident throughout the divorce process.
Tip #7 - Set and enforce boundaries
Whether you are talking about how to split your assets or trying to navigate a new co-parenting arrangement, setting and enforcing boundaries is a great way to take control of what can seem like a challenging situation and reclaim some confidence and agency while doing so.
Boundaries will be important when interacting with your former spouse throughout the divorce process, and perhaps long after the divorce decree is signed (especially if you and your former spouse share any children), so it is best that you get comfortable communicating and enforcing them sooner rather than later.
Tip #8 - Stay on top of paperwork and simplify the legal side
To keep the divorce process moving along efficiently and to minimize the amount of time spent in courtrooms, it’s essential that you keep on top of any paperwork that you’re responsible for completing.
This can be easier said than done, and divorce law is rarely simple, which is where online guidance and support resources like Splitup can come in handy. If your financial situation allows for it, you can also hire a divorce lawyer to help you with anything related to your divorce.
Summary
While the above list of tips is by no means exhaustive, and you will be able to find a huge range of other tips and tricks to help you get through your divorce online, the key thing to remember is that there is plenty that you can do to help you better navigate and handle what will no doubt be a challenging time.
If you’re looking for more divorce and family law insights, explore our app and our blog, where you will find content covering all manner of divorce-related topics, concepts, and questions.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and supportive tips but is not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or mental health advice. If you are struggling with divorce-related stress, consult a licensed attorney, therapist, or counselor for tailored guidance.
