Divorces and breakups are common topics, whether on the pages of a tabloid or in the office break room. They happen all the time. When a divorce happens to you, however, it’s often a shock. At the very least, it can be the most stressful event in your life.
Apart from hiring divorce lawyers in Glen Burnie or wherever you happen to live, there are several ways to prepare yourself for a divorce. The hope here is to reduce your stress to manageable levels and help you avoid wallowing on the losing end of this ordeal.
Choose How You Want to Do It
Divorces can be messy. You can drag each other to court and have all of your private details exposed. Though this is the type of divorce you might see on TV and in the news, it’s not always the case. Many divorces end quietly and peacefully. That being said, there’s still the possibility of a messy, drawn-out divorce and you have to prepare for that too, which brings us to the next item on our list.
Do Your Research
Research is a friend here. The more you know about the process and the possible ways to navigate it, the better for your peace of mind. You can, for example, discuss your plans with your lawyers about getting a mediation instead of a very public divorce hearing. Find out what you’re supposed to do before filing your divorce papers. Read up on it and talk to your lawyers at length.
Don’t Go at It Alone
Friends and family should be around for you at this time. You need their support more than ever. You need even just one person who can listen to you and help you feel just a bit better. They don’t even have to say anything. If they have some excellent advice, however, that’s good too, for as long as you don’t feel judged or blamed.
If You Fear for Your Safety
If you have reason to believe that your safety or the safety of your children is compromised, take action immediately. Do it as discreetly as you can, though. If you can’t, make sure to contact local authorities as they can protect you.
Here are some steps you can take to avoid a dangerous confrontation:
- Quietly speak with your lawyers so that they can help you contact the authorities and perhaps petition the court for a restraining order or an equivalent.
- Your kids are a priority, too, so ask a friend or relative if they can take you in at the moment, or at least your kids.
- Without alerting your spouse, secure your most important documents, credit cards, bank books, passport, etc. It’s best to alert the concerned institutions to this, as well, so your spouse cannot say, withdraw all your money or max out your credit cards. It’s also a good idea to open a new credit card for yourself that your spouse doesn’t know about.
- You might also want to secretly remove valuables from your house, such as your jewelry, expensive watches, gold trinkets, and the like. Get a safety deposit box for your items or take them to your friend or your folks for safekeeping.
- Whatever you do, don’t get in a confrontation or shouting match with your spouse. Don’t allow yourself to be cornered in a room where you have no way to escape. Keep a separate mobile phone on your person at all times. Pick a small, basic phone that doesn’t break easily or use up battery power too quickly, and have the most relevant emergency contacts on speed dial.
Divorce can have different effects on the lives of different people. It’s best to have your attorneys with you, as well as your support group. With the right information and the proper and timely moves, you can make it through your divorce with less stress.