Despite widely-rumored statistics, divorce rates are actually at a decline. Still, there are still thousands of people who break up each year. Divorce is considered one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. It’s common for a divorce or breakup to trigger a range of emotions, including anger and depression.
When you are divorcing or ending a relationship, there are some steps you can take to ease the process. These steps will reduce the amount of conflict and tension during your breakup and will enable you to begin the healing process sooner.
Preparation
The emotional response to a breakup or divorce can cause you to have a difficult time and lead to emotionally-charged responses when you are interacting with your former partner. One way to avoid this is by preparing statements before you communicate. This can ensure your words are clear and keep you from forgetting important details you wish to relay.
It’s also a good idea to talk to someone who has been through a divorce to get a sense of what to expect. Your divorce or breakup can have personal, emotional, legal, and financial ramifications. When you have a clear idea of what to expect you can take steps to protect yourself and resolve issues as quickly as possible.
Get Legal Guidance
Couples who are married must go through the divorce process to legally end their marriage. Couples in de facto relationships must also take legal steps to dissolve their relationship. De facto relationships occur when Australian couples cohabit for at least two years but are not married. De facto relationships in most of the country are governed by the Family Law Act 1975. Those who live in Western Australia are governed by the Family Law Act 1997. The Family Law Act applies to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
Meet with a Brisbane family lawyer to determine what your legal needs are. They offer a fixed price for your first consultation so you do not need to worry about unexpected expenses. Michael Lynch Family Lawyers offer legal assistance with divorce, custody, property settlement, spousal maintenance, and family mediation. Their attorneys specialize in family law and can guide you through the process and prepare you to complete the legal steps required to end your relationship.
Seek Support
NLT Bibles are filled with encouraging passages of scripture. Read favorite verses that make you feel optimistic and reassure you about God’s plan for your future. This can help you stay hopeful for the future. Cokesbury offers New Living Translation Bibles in regular or large print. You can also choose an NLT study Bible. Study Bibles include resources to guide you through the process of studying the scripture or help you locate specific passages.
A professional therapist can help you process the issues that led to your breakup. They can also help you work through the emotions you are experiencing during your divorce. Therapists provide a safe, confidential space for their clients. You do not need to worry about your personal life being discussed with others and you can take all the time you need to process your issues. Personal therapy can help you during and after your breakup.
Mediation
Couples who are ending their relationship can opt to meet with professionals who can guide them through the process of ending their relationship.
Therapists can work with divorcing couples to help them communicate effectively and clearly. You and your partner may be able to resolve personal conflicts in therapy to ensure those issues do not lead to a prolonged court battle or fight over custody. Couples may also opt to turn to their minister for guidance through the breakup process. Both parties should feel comfortable with their choice of a counselor. To be effective, the counselor should be impartial and focus on helping the couple find effective ways to resolve their issues.
Mediators are legal experts who are qualified to work through legal issues with couples who are splitting up. They can help the parties draft partial or full divorce agreements covering issues such as division of property, spousal and child support, and child custody. Their recommendations are not binding. If they prepare an agreement it must be filed with the courts and legalized to take effect. Couples who seek mediation can avoid prolonged, expensive court battles, which can help ensure a healthier breakup.
Therapists, spiritual leaders, and mediators can all work with you to minimize conflict during your breakup. This can be essential for your own mental health, and it can protect children from experiencing a traumatic divorce.
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