Divorce can be painful. It can be long and drawn out and it can break your heart. If you’re one of the lucky ones, your divorce can be fast, like ripping off a bandaid. That only happens when you both agree to terms and you have nothing to argue over.
If your divorce wasn’t an easy one if may be difficult to think about the final divorce hearing. Do you have to be there? And if you do, how are you going to deal with seeing your ex?
The hardest part is definitely going to be that final divorce hearing. According to Jeffrey Alan Aenlle, PA, a Florida Attorney with experience in divorce cases, in Florida both parties must attend this hearing- husband and wife. That may differ depending on what state you live in and what type of divorce you’ve had.
Once that is over, you’re divorced. So now what?
There Is Life After Divorce
No matter how long you were married it may seem like a huge change to suddenly be alone again. Obviously you won’t be ready to jump right back into the market after your divorce. However, you can start working to find yourself again. You’ll have a lot of free time and there is no sense spending that time grieving over something that is now gone.
It’s time to move on. Find things that you enjoy that can help you fill the lonely times as you get used to the difference of life after divorce. If you have children it can be especially important to put on a brave face for them. Fake it until you feel it.
Spend Time With Family
Take more time to spend with your children. They will also be feeling the effects of your divorce and will need you to be strong for them. They can have an amazing way at cheering you up too.
Spending time with friends and family, in general, can have a healing effect also. Especially if you choose to surround yourself with those family and friends that have been supportive of your divorce and had kind words for you to help you get through the tough times.
Attend Counseling
If you’re finding it difficult to deal with your divorce you can seek professional help. There are divorce care groups out there that can help you get through it. Or you can speak to your own doctor if you feel as though you are having issues with depression or anxiety.
On top of all of that, you also have the decision to make on whether you will go back to your maiden name or not. It may take money and a trip to the DMV, but if having his last name is stressful the extra effort could be worth your sanity. For men and women, there is also the matter of setting up new bank accounts, credit accounts and the like.