If you are feeling powerless in your divorce, you are not alone. It is common to feel depression, anxiety and stress during a divorce. Some studies even show that a divorce can lower your lifespan, so if you feel sad or helpless, you are not alone. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23284588/
On the bright side, though, there is also research to indicate that quality of life post-divorce can be much better than it was during the marriage. https://www.connectedwomen.co/magazine/the-brighter-side-of-single-mom-life-why-more-women-are-living-happily-ever-after-divorce/
This article will highlight three ways to break the cycle of feeling powerless and help you take the power back during your divorce.
- Become informed.
It’s axiomatic that knowledge is power, and this is certainly true when it comes to divorce. For many, the intimidation of the process can be daunting, but there are many online resources that can help.
One we recommend that is unbiased and thorough is the website published by California Courts. It can be accessed here. https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-divorce.htm?rdeLocaleAttr=en
This resource has self-help tools, information, forms and general guidance on divorce and California, and it’s a good place to start to get educated on what may lie ahead.
- Get organized.
You can anticipate that assets and liabilities are going to be important in your divorce, so it’s important to get the information organized and easily accessible. Some things to consider might be:
- What are the balances on your credit cards?
- How much do you owe on your vehicle?
- What is your mortgage payment?
- How much student loan or other debt do you carry?
- How much do you earn?
Getting information together will help you feel more in control and will make the process go more smoothly down the road.
- Obtain Legal Advice.
An attorney who is experienced in family law and empathetic to your concerns can help you feel more in control of your divorce. At the Law Office of David Knecht we have extensive experience with divorce in California. We will listen to your concerns and seek to understand how to customize the divorce to your needs. Contact us at 707-451-4502 for more information.
