Going through a divorce can often be a lonely, confusing time. Between the legal challenges, the financial obstacles, and your feelings of isolation or anxiety, it can sometimes seem like you have nowhere to go. But there are many resources available to divorcing couples, professionals in their industries who specialize in helping people through this transition. The question is how can you know which is the appropriate resource for your situation?
Here are some divorce resources described:
- Therapist or Counselor. Therapists no longer have the same stigma today that they did 20 years ago. It used to be that people viewed therapy as something you did if you were crazy. It wasn’t true then, and it’s certainly not true now. Therapists are trained to help you through the most emotionally challenging times in your life. They will listen to you, help you see different perspectives or options, and provide guidance as needed. A therapist is also helpful for your children as they navigate their own feelings regarding the divorce.
- Divorce Attorneys. When it comes to the legal side of a divorce, your best resource is your divorce attorney. They can give you legal insight and support during what is typically a complex and stressful process. Worrying about all the legal details in a divorce can not only create anxiety and stress in your life, but it can also put your family, your home, or your livelihood at risk. Your divorce attorney will make sure that all of the legal aspects are handled professionally and your rights are protected.
- Financial Planner. Money is one of the most common sources of strife during a divorce. Hiring a financial planner to help you sort through your joint finances””as well as your own personal finances””can be a source of relief and comfort. It can also be a necessity, depending on how complex your financial situation is. Financial planners can help you divide joint assets and debts, such as jointly owned retirement funds or properties. Also, while a financial planner cannot guarantee what maintenance fees you will receive, they can help you budget those fees as a soon-to-be single person.
- Divorce Coach. Instead of focusing on just one area of divorce, like financial planners or attorneys, a divorce coach is a professional who specializes in assisting you through the entire divorce process. A divorce coach can be someone to lean on, someone to give encouragement, or someone to help you make good decisions while you go through this emotional time. Rather than listening and trying to uncover the source of your feelings, as a therapist would, a divorce coach focuses on problem-solving and taking action. Many divorce coaches have experienced divorce themselves, and they can help you build a roadmap for the future, calling on all the resources at your disposal to move forward.
Divorce is difficult, there’s no question about that. But you don’t have to do it alone. There are numerous professions and resources available to you. A good attorney can be the first stop. They should be able to provide you with additional resources to help you navigate this challenging time.
How many of you have used a divorce coach in your own divorce? Did it help? Share your experiences with us.