5 Tips For A Less Stressful Divorce
In the 1960s, two American psychiatrists, Holmes and Rahe, studied the relationship between life stressors and physical illness and devised a list of the 43 most stressful life events.
Where did divorce figure?
Second, immediately followed by marital separation at number three. To put it in perspective, both finished ahead of criminal incarceration and the death of a close family member.
So, how can you defy the findings of Holmes and Rahe and reduce the stress of divorce on you and your family? Here are a few tips from a family lawyer:
Ditch the Win/Lose Talk
Divorce is not a game – it is the future for you and your children. Having a win/lose mentality can rob you of valuable time, money, and peace of mind. An approach instead of collaborative resolution is much more likely to bring about a win/win that works for your family.
See a Lawyer Early On
Don’t wait until a dispute arises – be proactive and consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after parting with your spouse. Even if you’re just contemplating separation, it is helpful to know your legal options, rights and obligations so that you can make informed choices and avoid common mistakes. Meeting with a family lawyer can even motivate you to work on your relationship instead of separating or divorcing.
Choose a Dispute Resolution Option like Mediation
95% of cases settle before trial, and a big reason for that is dispute resolution. Entering into a process like mediation early on in a separation will avoid the stress, delays, and legal fees involved in Court. In addition to mediation, a good family lawyer will educate you about all the options available including negotiation in 4-way meetings, collaborative law, and mediation-arbitration.
Communicate Respectfully
You may disagree with your spouse; you may feel angry, betrayed, devastated, and more. You can feel all those things, but none of them should compromise respectful communication. Respect – too often undervalued in the family law process – will go a long way in resolving a dispute constructively and with as little impact as possible on your children.
Reconcile the Past, Focus on the Future
Divorce should be tackled holistically and seeing a mental health professional during the process can make a positive difference. The past can be very painful and can impact your reasoning and decision-making – working through these emotions with a therapist, divorce coach or counsellor can help you navigate the legal issues more effectively.
Regarding the future, avoiding the blame-game will make the journey of separation less stressful and more productive. Divorce can offer opportunities for successful co-parenting, new relationships and career advance.
Ensure the right frame of mind to walk the path of a more positive tomorrow.
At Coach My Case, we understand the toll that divorce can have on individuals and families. We strive to minimize the stress by actively educating our clients about their options, and adopting a caring, empathetic approach to the legal process. If you are looking for mediation, collaborative family law or a new perspective on your divorce case, contact our Legal Navigator for a free consultation
