A big family change of any kind can wreak havoc on your emotions. The end of a marriage, and filling out a divorce agreement template, is just one example. In this article, we’ll show how to get the support you need in these situations.
Divorce and Serious Family Transitions
If you’re getting a divorce, this can massively change the entire family dynamic. Will you be able to stay friends with ex-in-laws? If you and your ex-partner have children, this immediately raises the question of child custody.
Some divorced families continue to live together for co-parenting reasons. However, it’s likely at least one of you will be moving out. Both might choose to live in smaller homes, especially if the rent is unaffordable on one salary.
This is a huge change for both sides. It’s okay for it to upset you. You’ll only be able to move on if you find ways to look after yourself.
Tips for Protecting Your Emotional Health
You can’t bury how you feel. This isn’t healthy, and in many cases, it isn’t even possible. Divorce is difficult, and neither side will be able to navigate it pain-free. But here are some ways to keep your emotional health intact:
- Acknowledge your feelings: Don’t put up a front. Nobody would expect you to have no emotion about getting divorced. Hiding it will make it harder for you to process.
- Build a support network: Reach out to friends and family. Consider getting professional support if you need it. There are also online groups for people in your situation.
- Keep up with self-care: It might feel strange to do things that feel “normal.” However, it helps to stick with your usual routines and do the things that make you happy.
- Focus on the future: Don’t let the divorce occupy all your thoughts. Remember that you still have a life to lead after it’s over. Think long and hard about your next steps.
- Learn more about divorce: A lot of your anxiety could be a fear of the unknown. Spend time reading about divorce proceedings and what you can expect from them.
- Give yourself time: Don’t expect to be okay with everything even after you sort out your agreement. These situations always take time to heal — for both sides.
Navigating Your Divorce Proceedings
You’ll likely still be processing everything as the negotiations begin. It’s important that you don’t let this overshadow the divorce itself. Ultimately, both sides will be hurting. Letting the pain come out will just make things more difficult for everyone.
Remember that this isn’t an easy situation for your ex-partner, either. Don’t be spiteful when you negotiate. Everything must remain fair, or else the proceedings could take a lot longer than they need to. If you worry about conflict, use mediation services.
You’ll also likely have to compromise on what you want. Always set realistic expectations before each session. The chances of walking away with a perfect “deal” are next to nothing. You might want a piece of property but have to give it up to keep another.
Setting Boundaries With Your Ex-Partner
A sharp change in your family dynamic means a shift in boundaries. For a divorce, this typically means living separately from the moment things break down.
It would be virtually impossible for anyone to live with someone they were divorcing, even while co-parenting. If this is unavoidable, respect each other’s personal space.
Every couple’s arrangement is different. However, it might be best to reserve communication for the usual divorce proceedings. Any external discussions should be about necessary financial or legal matters. You might also want to discuss childcare logistics one-on-one.
Social media can quickly become a battleground in any dispute. Divorce is no different. Discuss what details you can and can’t share online. This is especially helpful for your children.
Looking After Your Child
If you have children, the divorce will affect them just as deeply, if not more so. You have to make sure your child has everything they need to get through a divorce. When it comes to figuring out custody, for example, find a compromise that works best for them.
Do you or your partner live closer to the school? Is one of you planning on moving to an entirely different district? Custody arrangements during a divorce should be as fair to the child, and their education, as possible.
Make sure you talk with your child and try to help them understand what’s going on. You cannot, and should not, make your ex-partner seem bad. Ultimately, they likely want to keep being a good parent, too.
Final Thoughts
Any major family transition is emotional for every party involved. Divorce, however, might be one of the most difficult to navigate. With an online divorce agreement, however, you can guarantee the proceedings are fair and legally binding.
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