When you are going through divorce, there are several things to keep in mind. One is that the process may not always be as straightforward as you think. Many people who have experienced divorce, or who are on the road to recovery through it, will go through emotional ups and downs, highs and lows, moments of triumph and moments of absolute upheaval. It is not an easy process. Having a dedicated legal professional on your side from the beginning of the process will make it easier for everyone involved, particularly if you were not the partner who initiated the divorce to begin with.
One of the most difficult truths to let go of and to reconcile when you begin the divorce process is that your life will remain largely the same. This is prominent particularly if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse were estranged or separated for some time before the divorce. Even if your friends and community supported your decision for divorce, it may be that once the divorce is final things begin to change. You may no longer be available for your monthly meet-up with them, because of child custody arrangements. You may no longer be invited to events to which your ex is invited, as he or she may plan on bringing a date and the host does not want to cross awkward social lines. Worse still, some friends may no longer invite you to events because they are insecure in their own marriages, and worry that your presence may give their spouse the nudge he or she needs to initiate divorce proceedings of their own.
Determining your own game plan at the beginning of the proceedings can help with these moments of pain and upheaval during the process. One major piece of advice is to have your finances in order. If you are going through a difficult emotional period, it is only exacerbated if your finances are not arranged beforehand. This is more than just division of property—it means having an independent financial cushion, having credit in your personal, unmarried name, and having payments such as health or car insurance sorted out.
If you or someone you know is considering divorce and wants more tips about how to healthily and sustainably approach the process, the most important step is to seek legal counsel. Do not go through it alone. Contact an experienced DuPage County family law attorney today.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kristin-davin-psyd/5-things-not-to-expect-going-through-divorce_b_9395612.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce
http://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2013/09/27/what-every-man-needs-to-know-about-the-financial-side-of-divorce/#3b39be8f53b6