You’ve talked to your spouse about divorce and you’re on the same page. Now, it’s time to turn your attention to the process itself. The more organized you are up front, the easier it is to make decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
While some steps are obvious, others are overlooked. Here are five steps that many people forget to take:
- Create a support group: Even if you’re relieved that your marriage is coming to an end, you need a support group to help you during this difficult time. Your group can consist of many people, ranging from family and friends to counselors and therapists.
- Create a post-divorce budget: You focus so much attention on your current budget and financial circumstances that you overlook what the future will bring. When you create a post-divorce budget, there’s no gray area as to what you should expect with regard to your income and expenses.
- Tell your family and close friends: You don’t have to do this, but they’re likely to find out at some point. Furthermore, if you want them to provide support during this difficult time, you should let them in on what’s happening. Don’t keep everything bottled up, as it could cause more stress and tension in your life.
- Consider the impact on you career: If you’re working, consider how it will impact your career and if you should talk to your supervisor, co-workers and/or HR department about what you’re going through.
- Set long-term goals: It may seem like the divorce process will never end, but it’s coming soon enough. And when it does, you no longer have to worry about your marriage bogging you down. The future is yours to do with as you please. Set long-term goals for yourself so that you have something to look forward to.
When you take these steps before you begin the divorce process, you better position yourself to make sound decisions down the line.
Yes, divorce is one of the most difficult things you’ll ever face, but you can’t hide and hope for the best. Proper preparation is essential to your long-term happiness and well-being.