Deciding that a marriage needs to end is a particularly stressful time in anybody’s life. Add in the pandemic and the associated increase in domestic violence, lockdowns, unemployment and financial stress, and it’s a perfect storm.
But if you are going through a separation or divorce in these difficult times, there are some things you can do to stay calm and achieve the best outcome possible.
- Contact a family lawyer and obtain advice as soon as possible. This will help ensure that experienced professionals protect your financial affairs and custody arrangements.
- Make a list of ‘discussion points’ when you are feeling calm. This will limit some of the emotion you may experience when discussing difficult matters with your spouse.
- Consider seeing a psychologist or counsellor to ensure that you can continue to cooperate and communicate with your spouse wherever possible. It may also be helpful to have sessions with your spouse.
- Engage in self-care: exercise, eat well, and look after yourself. Be kind to yourself and don’t engage in the ‘blame game’ – whether against your spouse or yourself. This will serve no purpose other than to upset you.
- Focus on a brighter future and try to remain positive. Consider engaging in a new hobby that will help you to re-establish your identity as a ‘single’ person and not part of a married or de facto family unit.
Separation and divorce is difficult – but you can get through it with the right support.
If you’re separating, Contact Pentana Stanton for expert family law advice.
