Before You Decide To Divorce
When you fell in love and got married, you never imagined that your relationship could drift so far from those initial feelings. The love, respect, and admiration that once flourished morphed into something unrecognizable and even dysfunctional right before your eyes. Regardless of how or why it ended up this way, there are some things to think about before you make the irreversible decision to divorce.
Is It Really Over?
First and foremost, are you certain you’ve done everything you can? Have you sat your spouse down and been brutally honest about how you feel, what you’re thinking and what you need? If not, then is it really fair to expect them to know where you are? Have you insisted on seeing a counselor? When you do, be ready to commit to giving 100% of yourself to the process. These steps can help you avoid some future regret and you may even find what you two have lost.
Yes, It’s Over
If you are convinced that the relationship is irretrievably broken, then the next step is to start thinking about your future. Understand that the same money that supported 2 households will now have to support one and you will BOTH have to take a drop in your standard of living. Think carefully about what you will be able to afford and consider meeting with a financial planner like me to evaluate your options and look at what potential settlements would look like in your situation.
Be Clear About Finances Now
If you are not 100% clear on your financial situation, now’s the time to get prepared. Download my eBook for specifics on documents to gather so that you can be fully informed about your household finances. It will be very difficult to plan for the next phase of your life if you have no idea how much money you’ll have or how much it will cost you to live. A Certified Divorce Financial Analysts®, or CDFA® can be a very valuable resource for you at this time.
The Next Chapter
Finally, build a support network . The next 6 months to a year will be one of the most difficult times of your life. Surround yourself with people that will love and support you without being judgmental. You’ll need all the support you can get. Take a deep breath and take one step at a time. You WILL get through this.
