Whether you see a divorce coming or it catches you by total surprise, a divorce filing can quickly become overwhelming. In the blink of an eye, you might feel anxious, stressed and powerless. However, there are ways you can regain some control of your life.
Be proactive
A divorce can leave you feeling caught on your heels – especially if your spouse surprised you with a divorce filing. When you feel like you have no control over your situation, you can be proactive in tackling various tasks to help you take charge of your future.
For instance, you do not need to wait to take steps like:
- Contacting an attorney
- Organizing your paperwork
- Meeting with a financial advisor to discuss your budget
- Making lists of property and assets
- Thinking through your priorities
When you take the initiative to do these things, you can feel more informed and in control.
Stay out of court
Litigating a divorce may seem the best or only option for you. However, the truth is that most people resolve issues through mediation or collaborative divorce. These approaches are more cooperative, and they allow individuals to have significant control over the solutions.
For instance, if you go to court to divide your property or decide custody, the decisions are ultimately up to the courts.
However, staying out of court means you and your ex negotiate solutions together and with the help of professionals. Ultimately, you are the ones who decide the outcomes. Taking this route makes it easier to work out creative solutions that best fit your needs and circumstances.
Prioritize your mental health
A divorce is stressful and emotional and can take a tremendous toll on your mental wellbeing. Prioritizing your needs and welfare during this time can help you overcome challenges and deal with setbacks healthily.
Some ways to cope during divorce include spending time with loved ones, talking to a counselor or therapist and practicing self-care and healthy habits.
Taking care of yourself can help you deal with stress, making it easier for you to make big decisions and fight for what you deserve.
Know that you can’t control everything
You cannot control every element of a divorce; some things are out of your hands. However, these suggestions can help you regain control over your life and future.