How Divorce Affects Different Areas of Your Life

It’s important to clarify from the beginning: all divorces are different. What’s true for one won’t be true for all, so read on with the knowledge that this article speaks about many common ways divorce affects different areas of your life. It is also important to know your state’s divorce process, for example, California’s legal process for divorce.

Children

Divorce is difficult for parents to navigate, but it can be even tougher on your children. Without emotional maturity, it’s hard for them to understand exactly why their lives are changing, and many wonder whether they’re to blame. The best way to approach this situation is with age-appropriate honesty.

Make your kids feel as though they’re a part of the conversation. Tell them as much as you think they can handle, and let them express their desires on how to move forward. You can also reassure them that the divorce has nothing to do with them and, if the situation allows, even though the marriage is ending, the family can continue.

Finances

Divorce is rarely good for your bank account. Divorce lawyers are usually necessary but come with a whopping price tag. Depending on the plan you and your spouse work out, you may owe child support as well. When you couple these factors with a single parent’s income, you can see why creating a financial plan is essential.

Health and Emotions

Mental and physical health often go hand-in-hand, and that’s especially true after a divorce. Many people experience depression following a divorce, as higher levels of stress trigger depressive and anxious episodes. Massive change leads people to cling to things that give them some level of comfort, so it’s essential that you keep an eye out for growing problems of alcohol or substance abuse.

There are so many emotions that come from a divorce—ranging from fear to relief—and all of them are completely natural. You may find it helpful to learn about the different emotional stages of divorce so you can have a sense of what may be in store for you.

Now that you know how divorce affects different areas of your life, consider hiring a financial planner and making an appointment with a therapist—they can truly help.