If someone told you to prepare for a divorce, what would come to mind? Perhaps you would run around gathering paperwork? Maybe you would start searching for an attorney. While both are crucial, there are two other areas of equal importance.
If your spouse tells you they want a divorce, they will likely have been mulling it over for some time. They will have been preparing financially and mentally. You need to do the same.
How do you mentally prepare for a divorce?
Even if divorce seems like a relief, it is such a massive change that it will have an emotional effect. Some people take a while to get over their divorce. To cope better, you need a plan in place:
- Prepare the people you trust: You will not cope if you go through a divorce alone. You need a few good people to talk to, whose shoulders you can cry on, who can help you out with the kids and so on.
- Reduce your schedule: Keeping yourself busy may stop you from having to think about it all. Yet, you need to think about things. Divorce will be stressful, so canceling a few items from your calendar will give you the time you need to rest and recover.
- Treat yourself: Self-care does not need to be expensive. It can be anything from a long soak in the bath, a walk in the woods, or a night in with your favorite movie and the cat on your lap.
How do you prepare financially for divorce?
Working out what you own and owe and need from the divorce settlement is one aspect of finances to examine. You also need to ensure you have the means to get through the next few months. If you fear your spouse will cut off access to joint funds, there are legal measures you can take to protect yourself. The more you learn about your rights and options, the better prepared you will be.