Filing for divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. You’re moving away from a relationship that you tried so hard to make work and have to navigate the court process, division of assets, and more. Your New Jersey divorce lawyer will be there every step of the way to help you understand your next steps and make sure you’re representing your needs and your case well. But once the divorce is finalized, knowing how to move on can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you start over.
Make Time for Yourself
During the divorce, compiling documentation and working with your attorney can be almost all-consuming. You may be so preoccupied with the process that you forget to take time for yourself. Once the divorce is finalized, give yourself permission to do things just for you. Treat yourself to a night out with friends, go see that movie that’s been on your to-watch list for months, take a vacation and relax if you can afford it. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that you’ll enjoy and be able to relax while doing.
Reevaluate Your Finances
If you and your spouse had shared finances, you’ll need to take a long, hard look at where you stand without their income, their debts, and their obligations. Look at your current earnings and any alimony or child support payments you’re receiving. Then, consider how much you’re spending each month. You can use this information to create a budget that will help you meet your savings goals while still being able to enjoy your life.
Consider Your Estate Plan
When you and your spouse were married, you likely listed each other as the beneficiaries of your estate. Now that you’re divorced, you may not want them to inherit anything if you pass away before them. Revisit your estate plan and make any updates you feel are necessary. This may mean redoing your will to provide direction for different parts of your estate, updating your beneficiaries, naming a new power of attorney if you’re unable to make your own decisions, and other similar factors.
Keep in mind that it’s best to work with an estate planning attorney whenever possible. They’ll help you figure out what you need to update and what can stay the same.
Reach Out to Friends and Family
Everyone deserves a solid support system, and most can find it with their friends and family members. Once the divorce is finished, try to reach out to the people you love most. Spend time with them, open up to them if you’re comfortable doing so, and lean on them for support.
Be Patient With Yourself
Adjusting to life after divorce can take time. Even if you want things to return to a sense of normality as soon as possible, try to be patient and forgiving of yourself when things feel overwhelming. Give yourself permission to grieve if you need to and don’t hesitate to seek help as you navigate your new normal. Experienced therapists can help you reconnect with your passions and find healthy coping mechanisms. Many therapists specialize in helping divorced individuals become emotionally stronger over time.
Keep These Tips in Mind
Moving on after divorce is tough, but these tips should help you plot a course for a successful future. If you’re just starting out on this journey or need an experienced New Jersey divorce lawyer to represent your case, Carvajal Law is here to help. Our team will work to get you the best settlement possible so you can focus on taking the next step. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.