Divorce is more than just the end of marriage

On paper, divorce is the legal end to a marriage. However, when you look at the details of a divorce, you will find that it will touch many areas of your life that will outlast the legal process itself. According to PainDoctor.com, divorce is considered the second-most stressful event a person can go through in their lifetime, so it’s important for you to seek the right help to potentially mitigate the adverse effects of the end of marriage.

Why is divorce so painful?

The end of marriage represents a drastic change in lifestyle and family structure. Many people are at their most financially vulnerable point in life in the months following divorce, which can affect many things including:

• Where you live
• Your daily budget
• When you can retire
• Your insurance provider
• How much time you can spend with your kids
• How you manage your business

You may feel one or all of the effects of divorce. Given the numerous ways in which it can impact our lives, it is no wonder why you might feel so stressed during and after divorce.

Treat divorce as an ongoing process

Many of us fear a divorce that is lengthy and exhausts both our emotions and finances. Neither these are the real end goal of divorce. Instead, treating divorce as an ongoing process is about realizing that even after your divorce is finalized, challenges may arise that affect child custody, spousal support payments, your kids’ education and your business.

This is not to say that we hope to leave loose ends for you and your family to sort out later, rather it is an acknowledgment that life will change after divorce. You might fear the unknown, but you should also relish the chance for new opportunities. Events that could justify an amendment to your divorce decree include:

• You or your ex-spouse marries someone else.
• You or your ex move out of state.
• Your kids graduate high school or college.
• You or your ex goes back to school for an advanced degree or certification.
• You or your ex has a significant change in income.

No one can predict the outcome of divorce or life after marriage exactly. However, state laws shape what you are entitled to when it comes to the division of property, assets and child custody, which can help provide a clearer picture of what you can expect.

Divorce is more than just the end of marriage, and understanding that can help you be better prepared to face its challenges.