How to Make the Difficult Process of Divorce More Manageable

Few chapters in our lives are as difficult as a divorce. Around 42% of married couples end up getting divorced – and of the individuals involved, more than half report feelings of loneliness, and more than a quarter suffer from depression.

Anything that can be done to ease the transition, therefore, is probably worth doing. But what steps are available to us?

 

Understand the New Divorce Process & What to Expect

In 2022, the process of getting a divorce was simplified, with the introduction of so-called ‘no-fault’ divorces. This means that blame does not need to be attributed or accepted by, or to, either party. This helps to remove the need for an expensive, adversarial process.

You’ll apply for a divorce either online, or by post. Each application comes with a fee of £612. Twenty weeks after the court issues a divorce application, you’ll be able to apply for a conditional order, which is a document that shows that a court has found no reason that you can’t split. Once you’ve got this, you can wait six weeks before applying for the final order, which dissolves the marriage.

 

Plan Early: Finances, Property & Child Matters

The earlier you start planning the division of assets and property, the likelier you’ll be to spot problems, and to successfully steer your way around them. You’ll also need to come to an arrangement that’s best for your child. The earlier you do this, the less disruption your child will experience. Courts are legally bound to find the solution that best supports the welfare of children – and you have an ethical obligation to do the same thing.

When you get everything wrapped up early on, you’ll avoid the stress and hassle that comes with figuring it out at the last moment.

 

Seek Professional Support and Build a Support Network

If you’re going through this process on your own, it’s easy to feel adrift and vulnerable. You’ll need to find a way to manage your negative feelings, and to deal with the nuts and bolts of the legal process. A good solicitor might help you to understand and navigate the financial decisions you’re presented with. Often, it’s easier (and cheaper) to take a collaborative approach to the split, through things like mediation.

 

Take Care of Your Well-being: Emotional Health, Self-Care and Future Planning

Above all, it’s important to take the occasional break from your divorce, and to look after yourself. Divorce is a legal process – but it’s also a major transition in your life. In some cases, the support of a circle of close friends can be helpful. In others, professional counselling might make a difference.