Reducing stress during the divorce process

On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Family Law on Monday, April 25, 2016.

As anyone who has gone through it can attest, going through the divorce process can be extremely taxing on the emotional health of the parties. While still coming to terms with the reasons for the end of the marriage and the grief of a failed intimate relationship, a spouse facing divorce looks to an uncertain future. 

Especially when children are involved, concern over the potentially negative impact on financial security can be gut wrenching, to say nothing of the emotional roller coaster that comes with splitting one household into two and contemplating a drawn-out fight in court.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, known as the CMHA, elaborates on the particular kinds of emotions that can arise during this time, including “sadness, anger, hurt, fear of an uncertain future, loneliness, confusion over the many decisions … and a sense of failure at … lost plans and dreams.” 

The CMHA recommends a number of options to help cope during the divorce process, including: 

  • Talk to a trusted person, other than your children, about what you are experiencing.
  • Seek professional help from a therapist or other mental health professional if necessary.
  • Stick to the usual daily routine
  • Share necessary information with your children that will keep them feeling secure such as where everyone will live and whether there will be any changes important to them like what school they will attend.
  • Try to live a healthy lifestyle.
  • Do not expect yourself to heal quickly.
  • And more 

From a legal standpoint, a courtroom battle is not the only option. Other divorce processes such as mediation, collaborative law, arbitration and traditional negotiation offer less adversity. Talk to a lawyer to understand these options and for help choosing the process likely to work in your particular circumstances.

Related Posts: Understanding home ownership and property rights in a divorce, Travelling without children during a family law dispute, Set boundaries and rules to protect kids from child custody drama, Protecting credit amidst a family law dispute