Going through a divorce can be one of the most difficult experiences in a person’s life. Over 50% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce, leaving many families to navigate the complex legal process. Selecting the ideal divorce attorney is essential to achieving the best results for you and your family. Whether you’re considering divorce or your spouse has asked for one, you’re probably going through a lot of strong emotions. One of the most common ones is fear. What will happen to the children? How will my finances change? Who will I be without this marriage? What will my future hold?
A recent article in Psychology Today listed four common divorce fears:
How Divorce Affects Children:
How will your divorce affect the children socially and emotionally? Will it be possible to co-parent positively with your ex? Will your kids have to choose which parent to live with? Could you lose custody altogether?
Financial and Legal Preparations for Divorce:
Even if you have your income, divorce will mean changes to your finances. Will you want to keep your home? Will your family farm or other property be sold and divided? Will you have to pay alimony or child support?
Your Identity – Taking Care of Yourself:
How you see yourself tends to be tied up in your relationships and roles. It can be frightening to feel you will have to forge a new identity. Other fears include losing friends, no longer fitting into your social circle, or facing stigma in your community. You might worry about how your family will react and whether they will blame you.
Fears for the Future:
How will you start over? How will you build a new life? Will you ever get over the hurt? Is it possible to find love again? Will it be possible to trust someone again, or to trust yourself?
We would like to add a fifth common fear: the divorce itself. Most people don’t know exactly what will happen. They don’t know what might be at stake. The legal system itself is intimidating.
You will have many questions about what to expect, how long it will take, how much it all will cost, and whether there will be a court battle. There are answers to these questions, but they all depend on your circumstances.
For Most Fears, Consider Self-Care and Therapy
Take a deep breath and don’t panic. Try to take things one day at a time. Try to cope positively with the stress and changes. Realize that millions of other people have gotten through divorce and that many are happier afterward. Invest in a relationship with a therapist and one for your children.
For Legal Fears, the Right Lawyer Can Really Help
Your lawyer shouldn’t intimidate you. They should be compassionate and an experienced family lawyer there to guide you through your divorce with care. Your lawyer should understand and know this is an emotional time and should provide you with a strategy that promotes your values and interests – and which always puts your children first.
In closing, going through a divorce may be one of the most challenging experiences you ever face. But you don’t have to go through it alone. A compassionate and knowledgeable family lawyer can support you every step of the way. Seek out a family law attorney who shares your values and objectives in addition to having experience in the field. Look for a lawyer who will spend the necessary time learning about your particular case and your goals.
