Life After Divorce: How to Embrace the Next Chapter

Divorce is a life-changing experience. Along with the whirlwind of emotions it can bring, it also comes with the ability to open a new chapter in your life with new challenges and opportunities. Navigating this fresh start looks different for everyone. Our family law attorneys can help you understand the general steps you can take to confidently embrace every stride. 

Allow Yourself to Grieve 

Legal issues aside, divorce comes with a feeling of loss and the end of various family traditions you have become accustomed to. Allow yourself to grieve the life you shared with your partner and the future you had planned together. These emotions can be strong and overwhelming, including sadness, anger, and frustration. It is vital you let yourself go through all stages of grief on your own time. You should not place a time limit on your own feelings.

Surround Yourself with a Support Group

During divorce, lean on friends and loved ones for emotional support. Another great option is to seek the help of a therapist or join a support group facing similar hardships that you are experiencing. Feeling alone while going through a time of complicated feelings and legal issues may make healing seem impossible. You want to take the steps to put yourself in a healthy environment and emotional mindset. Having someone to talk to or a designated group that allows you to feel like yourself in their presence can make all the difference. 

Set Boundaries with Your Ex

Healing journeys can come in all shapes and sizes. While trying to heal emotionally on top of figuring out how to deal with child custody and dividing assets, it is important for you to determine what boundaries you need to make with your ex to feel comfortable. In a difficult time that may feel riddled with conflict, you should take steps to minimize and make interactions with your ex more manageable. It is okay to be firm when setting boundaries, but make sure to do it with respect. The more you push for your own comfort and stick to your boundaries, the better you will feel in the long run. 

Agree On a Coparenting Plan

Your children’s emotional wellbeing during your divorce may be one of your biggest sources of stress. Research suggests that children tend to process their emotions better and have more respect for their parents when they see their parents cooperate. Executing upon a mutually agreed upon and effective coparenting plan is the best way to take action to show children a “united front” for parenting them. Children of divorces should feel like their parents are working together for them instead of against each other. 

Practice Communication 

Similar to practicing setting boundaries, it is vital to establish effective communication with your ex if children or mutual and continuing interests are involved. It is normal to feel upset, angry, and confused, but if it is necessary to keep a healthy relationship with your spouse for the sake of children or mutual interests, you need to practice respectful communication. That does not mean you have to ignore or push aside your feelings, but it does mean keeping them under control when it matters.

Reconnect with Your Passions

A marriage usually results in a shared identity as a couple. This can lead to a loss or limiting of self-identity. When leaving a marriage, especially one where a lot of your identity was once tied to another person, it may be difficult to feel a sense of self now that you are apart from your spouse. A great way to find yourself again is to pick up old hobbies and passions that brought you joy before the marriage. Reconnecting with past parts of yourself can offer you a sense of purpose in this new chapter of your life. Whether that means signing up for workout classes, painting workshops, sports, or group activities, finding an activity that gets you out of the house and out of a bad head space can be uplifting during or after divorce. Welcome new opportunities that come your way; you never know where they may lead. 

Find an Experienced Attorney

Although you may be taking steps to make your divorce process as healthy as possible, some cases can get ugly despite your best efforts. You want to ensure that your concerns and goals are heard every step of the way. An experienced divorce attorney can work with you to advocate for you and help you achieve a best result. Feelings can overpower judgment and having an experienced attorney to guide you through the process is crucial and can make the experience less stressful. 

Moskowitz Law Group, LLC is Here to Help You Navigate Life After Divorce

At Moskowitz Law Group, we are a strong voice and guiding hand during the divorce process. Advocating for you and ensuring you are clearly heard is our top priority. We understand the emotional toll and the added stressors divorce can bring. Contact us today to book a consultation, and let us help you start your new chapter off strong.