Ending a marriage of any length can be traumatizing enough, but one that has lasted decades can shake up your life in all aspects. From a new financial situation to emotions you have yet to experience, coping with a divorce after 50 will set the tone for the rest of your life. You can either face it head-on and accept the strength you will find, or you can let it bring you down.
Hold On to the Positive
Staying in a relationship where you’re unhappy and unappreciated is more damaging to your self-worth than a divorce. You might start out by questioning what you could have done differently and wonder about what you’re supposed to do with yourself now. Those questions will fade and you’ll find yourself focusing on the most important thing in the long run, yourself.
Self-care is vital during this process. By taking care of yourself and focusing on you, you’ll begin to regain your sense of self. Being alone can be an amazing experience. Pursue a new hobby or explore an interest that wasn’t possible during your marriage. Watch whatever you want on television or read that book that has been sitting on your shelf that you never got around to. Travel, explore, and learn what it is to be your own person again. Holding onto the positive throughout this experience will help you emerge stronger and happier than you ever thought possible.
Things To Consider
After investing in a life with another person for years, there are a lot of things to consider during the divorce process. If you have significant assets such as a business, property, or retirement accounts, then the division of property must be handled carefully. The same goes for debt. The goal is a fair and equitable outcome for both parties. Alimony may be another consideration. While not always guaranteed, this payment can help you maintain the lifestyle that you’re used to.
In any divorce where there are children involved, you have to consider more aspects including child custody and potentially child support. This might be the most stressful part of the entire process, but is entirely necessary. If you still have minor children together you will have to consider how the divorce will impact them. Even adult children will be impacted by divorce. Explaining things carefully and keeping them informed along the way, without sharing too much personal information, will help to make it easier. Reassure them that even though your marriage has ended, your love for them has not.
Your Divorce Options
There are several options when it comes to how you proceed with a divorce. An attorney that specializes in divorce can help you decide which would work best in your scenario. If you approach using the traditional divorce style, both spouses will hire a lawyer to represent them and their best interests. If you’re unable to decide on issues without outside assistance, this option would be your best bet.
If you and your spouse have agreed on the divorce and don’t have other issues to settle, then the mediation phase in the divorce process will be the best opportunity to resolve your case. You should still hire an attorney to assist with the process. In mediation you and your spouse will put together a settlement agreement, and then a judge will either approve or deny your settlement.
A collaborative divorce is another option. You will both hire an attorney to represent you so you can come to an agreement outside of court.
The Bottom Line
The next phase of your life is just beginning. Make sure to embrace your time alone and find your strength. Whatever the circumstances are surrounding your divorce, having an attorney along for the process can be a valuable resource. At Family Matters Law Group, we’ll provide you with a personalized experience and the help of an
Atlanta divorce attorney to help make your divorce as smooth as possible.
