Dealing with Divorce: A Guide

Nobody expects or wants to get divorced when they marry their partner. However, statistics show that around 42 percent of marriages in the UK end in divorce, so it’s important to know what action to take if you and your partner decide to end your marriage.

To help your separation run as smoothly and stress-free as possible, here is a useful guide on how to deal with divorce.

Take care of your mind and body

A divorce is a stressful experience that can be physically and mentally draining. It is therefore extremely important that you take the time to focus on your wellbeing and look after your health. Make sure you follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and deal with any negative emotions in a calm environment. Avoid using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs as a way to cope, as these only offer a short term fix and will not help you in the long-run.

Try to stick to your normal routine as much as possible and take the time to relax, heal and re-energise. Remember that it is normal to experience feelings of sadness, anger, confusion or frustration while going through a divorce. While these feelings can seem intense, keep in mind that they will lessen over time. Speaking with your family and friends and sharing your emotions can help you get through difficult periods. You can also join support groups and connect with people who are going through a similar situation.

Seek legal advice

Many couples want to start the divorce process soon after they decide to separate and end their marriage. In the UK, a divorce is only possible for marriages of more than one year, and the process generally takes around 4 to 6 months according to information on citizensadvice.org. However, you should keep in mind that the process can take far longer in some circumstances. Before starting the divorce process, it is advisable to seek guidance from a specialist divorce solicitor, especially if you and your partner don’t agree on getting a divorce or on the reasons why a divorce is needed.

While divorce is now fairly straight-forward, it can become more complex if there are other issues to sort out such as finances, property or children. A solicitor will guide you through the divorce process and ensure that you secure the best outcome. If you are unsure what to expect when getting a divorce, Thomas Boyd Whyte offer plenty of useful advice and guidance on the divorce process.

When children are involved

A divorce can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience for children. If there are children involved, then you must take steps to aid their transition. Make sure you have a plan in place to break the news to your children. Many parents choose to tell their children together and have an open discussion as a family. Remember that sudden change can be extremely difficult for children, so you may want to consider giving them a few weeks’ notice before a parent moves out, or the children are moved to a new home for example.

While your children may show signs of distress and intense emotion during this period, it’s important to remember that most children adjust well to divorce over time, especially if separation is the best option for your family.