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How to Make Divorce Less Painful: 8 Essential Steps to Take

No one ever said that divorce was easy. If you’re going through a divorce, you probably feel a range of emotions, from anger and sadness to relief and hope.

And while the journey may be difficult, there are certain things you can do to make it less painful for both yourself and your family.

sad woman reading sad news on her phone with a tissue on the couch

Here are eight essential steps to take: 

1. Hire a good divorce lawyer who will fight for what you deserve

 If your marital relationship unfortunately ends and you need a divorce lawyer, you’ll want to make sure to find one who puts your best interests first.

As you look for a good divorce lawyer, law professionals from the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler recommend finding a lawyer specializing in representing clients in both simple and complex divorce cases.

Ensure that they are experts at navigating legal systems and that they prioritize professionalism, dedication, and understanding. These qualities will help ensure the divorce process is as smooth as possible.

Also, ensure that your divorce lawyer has several years of experience in the industry, particularly in divorce cases.

With the legal advice and commitment you get from your divorce lawyer, you get peace of mind and security no matter how difficult it may feel.

Furthermore, discussing the case’s strategy with your lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your divorce.

Experts often debate the question of does it matter who files for divorce first, suggesting that the initiating party might gain a tactical advantage in terms of preparation and legal positioning.

It’s crucial to weigh this decision carefully, in consultation with your lawyer, to align it with your overall strategy and goals for the divorce process.

2. Gather all important documents to have a clear understanding of your financial situation 

Keeping track of all the important documents relevant to your financial status can be challenging and laborious, but it’s ultimately worth it.

You need to clearly understand exactly where your money is coming from and where it’s going so that you can make confident decisions about your financial future.

Occasionally, sit down with all the necessary paperwork — investment records, bank statements, wills, retirement accounts — and go over them in detail.

Keeping everything organized might seem intimidating initially, but with a little effort and consistency, you’ll soon manage your finances like an experienced pro!

3. Create a budget for yourself and stick to it during and after the divorce 

Developing and sticking to a budget during and after the divorce is essential for financial stability.

Creating a budget begins with understanding your income sources and then assessing how much you can spend on living expenses, such as housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and any current debt obligations.

Ensure to include money for occasional entertainment or activities that improve your well-being. Adjust the budget regularly if your financial situation changes in any way.

Once you have devised a plan that works for you, be disciplined in following it; keeping these spending habits will help with stress levels and keep you out of debt.

4. Spend time with friends and loved ones who support you

Spending time with friends and loved ones who can provide you with emotional support while going through a divorce is essential.

Having a strong network of people you can talk to and rely on is incredibly important to stay emotionally sound during this difficult process. They can provide a listening ear and impartial advice that helps guide you in the right direction.

Furthermore, having friends or family members who can bolster your emotions can have a tangible effect on how manageable the experience is.

Their support not only makes you feel better about yourself, but it also gives you hope and strength to continue forward through the divorce process.

5. Take care of yourself emotionally and physically

Taking time to care for your emotional and physical health is essential in helping make the divorce process less painful.

When making these difficult life decisions, it is important to prioritize your well-being by doing things that make you happy as a part of self-care.

Regular activities like reading, going for a walk, or even organizing photographs can help boost your mood and resilience during this tough time.

Additionally, taking steps to maintain your physical health, such as exercising regularly and eating nutritious foods, cannot be overstated, as it will improve both your concentration and overall outlook.

This strategy is especially valuable if you are managing legal proceedings, such as speaking with a lawyer who can clarify complicated decisions while alleviating some stress during this process.

Investing in yourself during this vulnerable season may be the best decision you’ll ever make!

6. Don’t badmouth your ex to your children or in public

Divorce is a difficult process under any circumstances, so it essential to take steps to make the process as painless as possible.

One of the most important steps that anyone going through a divorce can take is to not badmouth their ex in front of their children or in public.

Doing this can set up an adversarial relationship from the start, which makes it harder for everyone involved to find common ground and come to mutually beneficial solutions.

Building a positive environment by respecting both parties is key in the negotiation process, and unpleasant talk about one of them will only hinder the chances for success and leave lasting damage on them and the family.

7. Communicate with your ex-spouse as much as possible

When a couple seeks a divorce, it often creates an emotionally challenging and unpredictable process.

Communicating with your ex-spouse is one of the best ways to make the transition less painful for everybody involved. Doing so can help you understand each other’s needs and perspectives, leading to more informed decisions regarding any accompanying legal issues.

Additionally, by communicating with your ex-spouse as much as possible, you both can remain committed to finding amicable solutions regarding child custody and other related matters—which will be beneficial for reducing hurt and hostility levels for all those affected by the divorce proceedings.

And since emotions are already running high during the dissolution of a marriage, it should not be overlooked that keeping lines of communication open will likely leave both parties feeling more supported while they move through this difficult life event.

8. Be honest with your children about what’s happening

Divorce is an emotional process for everyone involved, and it’s important to remember that this emotional experience extends to your children too.

Keeping an open dialogue with your kids throughout the divorce means they feel listened to, cared for, and respected.

As a parent, you should provide advice and guidance during the process, but it’s important not to minimize their feelings or brush them aside — be honest about what’s happening.

Allowing children to air their concerns without fear of judgment helps prepare them for any difficult conversations later on. Take the time to talk about what’s happening at appropriate moments, and remind your child that it’s normal and okay to express how they feel.