When a Marital Breakup Occurs

You had high expectations for your marriage. Your first meeting was ideal—it took place at a local church picnic. Your courtship was a fantasy, with many moonlight strolls along the riverfront. Your wedding day brought you to tears of joy. But then tensions arose, and the marriage crumbled. As a result, you're on your way to divorce court.

Divorce is more than just a traumatic event; it is also one of the most stressful events that can occur in your life. You've come to rely on your husband or wife as a partner, soul mate, and rock. It would help if you now learned to live without, and the pain can be excruciating. Stress can make you feel as if you don't want to eat and don't want to participate in activities you used to enjoy, particularly those you did as a couple. You may be wondering if you will ever feel whole and at ease again.

Divorce breaks up families every day, which is a sad reality. It is an all-too-common occurrence in today's world. However, there are tried-and-true strategies you can use to reduce the amount of stress you experience as a result of your divorce. While your divorce will still be difficult, you will be able to cope better if you follow a few simple suggestions.

Acrimony between the two parties is one of the most stressful aspects of a divorce. Choose a lawyer you can rely on to make the process go as smoothly as possible. You could seek advice from a family member, a friend, or even your doctor. To ensure that your case is handled correctly, you should hire a family law attorney. Choose a lawyer who is a good negotiator rather than one who tries to make a name for themselves in court. That way, if problems arise, you'll have someone on your side who is determined to reach a peaceful resolution rather than fighting it out in court.

Child custody issues are another stressful aspect of any divorce proceeding. If at all possible, try to settle custody before going to court. A custody battle can be a long and arduous process that should be avoided at all costs. If you can't agree on custody issues, you'll have to prepare for a fight. The better prepared you are, the better you will be able to deal with the stress of the custody dispute. Make a list of all the reasons why your kids should stay with you. Examine both your own and the other parent's flaws objectively. You'll better understand the issues that are likely to arise in your custody case this way.

The financial aspect of divorce is yet another factor to consider. Divorce can devastate your finances, so you'll need a plan in place to deal with the fallout. Make a reasonable budget and stick to it. Make a list of your assets and those you shared with your spouse. Determine whether any joint property is worth fighting over. Keep an eye on your credit report as well. Your spouse's unwillingness to pay bills may appear negative information on your statement.

Consider joining a support group as you go through the divorce process. This can significantly reduce your stress. Knowing that other people are going through the same thing you are can help deal with stress. When things get tough, you'll have someone—or even a group of people—to turn to.

There is no way to avoid the stress that comes with divorce. However, the actions you take can significantly lower your stress level. It is also important to remember that a divorce is a temporary event. While some divorce cases can drag on for years, your divorce will eventually come to an end. The important thing is to take each day as it comes and not put yourself under more stress than you can handle.