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Nobody wants to go through a divorce, especially one that is long, complicated, and emotionally exhausting. Sadly, however, some divorce processes do last longer than others due to the complexity of the assets and property involved in the marriage.
No matter whether your divorce is short or long, it’s important for you to take care of yourself throughout the process. Below, we discuss five ways to support yourself emotionally and financially during a divorce.
#1. Know What You Have and What You Need
One of the most contentious aspects of any divorce is property division. This includes all assets acquired during the marriage and may include houses, cars, debt, and more.
Utah enforces “equitable distribution” of the marriage assets. This does not mean that everything will be divided equally. Rather, the courts will allocate assets based on the following factors:
The length of the marriage;
The age and health of each spouse;
The occupation and income of each spouse; and
Any other related matters.
As such, it’s important for you to take stock of your current financial situation and determine what you absolutely need out of the divorce, and what you can afford to let go. This step will prove helpful as a starting point when negotiating your divorce settlement.
Examples of what to include on an asset worksheet include:
Retirement assets
Real estate
Personal property
Business interests
It’s a good idea to work with an experienced family law attorney so you can be sure you are claiming everything that is rightfully yours and that you have the best possible chance of recovering your assets.
#2. Surround Yourself with a Support System
You don’t have to go through a divorce alone. During this difficult time, do not shut yourself off from those closest to you, or assume they cannot or do not want to help you.
Now is the most important time for you to reach out to close friends and family and share your hopes, worries, and concerns for the future. Chances are you will speak to someone who has been through a similar situation and can provide you with helpful advice. At the very least, you will gain a valuable outlet to express your thoughts and emotions.
#3. Hire the Right Team
One way to avoid financial ruin in the long run is to invest in a good team to represent you during the divorce process. While it may initially seem expensive to work with a family law attorney, the upfront price you pay for representation may be dwarfed in comparison to the amount you lose in the future due to a poorly executed divorce agreement.
It’s often difficult or impossible to amend divorce agreements once they are finalized, so you do not want to waste the opportunity to secure your financial future when going through the process.
#4. Explain the Situation to Your Children
Divorce can be confusing for children. Young children, in particular, may not understand why their parents are separating, or how the divorce could be good for them or the people they love.
Make sure to spend sufficient time with your children and explain, without getting into too much detail, why you and your spouse are separating. Try to emphasize that you have decided to separate for a good reason and that, ultimately, it will result in a better situation for everyone involved.
Additionally, try to reassure your children that not much about their lives will change. Children do not always look forward to change and, as such, you need to help them understand that they will still be just as loved by their parents as they were before the divorce and that neither you nor your spouse is going anywhere permanently.
#5. Forgive Yourself
While it may seem difficult to forgive yourself for the breakdown of your marriage, it’s important to remember that you are doing this for a good reason. It is better for your health and happiness, as well as those of your family, to move forward from an unhealthy relationship than to stay in one and remain unhappy. You will be able to be a better parent and friend once you are in a healthier place.
Considering a Divorce? We’re Here to Help
If you are considering a divorce, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the process and protect your best interests.
Divorce law is complex and varies from state to state. You need an attorney knowledgeable in Utah’s specific divorce laws in order to recover the assets you deserve from your marriage.
At Pearson Butler, we understand that your family will have unique needs, goals, and interests. Our attorneys in South Jordan take an interest in each client, collaborate with clients to identify case goals, and develop strategies to achieve clients’ individual goals.
We encourage you to contact Pearson Butler today at (800) 265-2314 to schedule a consultation with our team.
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