How to Have a Less Stressful Divorce

Whether you are going through a divorce or simply trying to get by in life, it is always a good idea to limit stress as much as possible. Stress can lead to all kinds of physical and mental health issues – making a bad situation even worse. However, limiting stress is easier said than done – especially if you are going through a particularly turbulent divorce. Even the most hopeful spouses feel some sense of unease as they approach life after marriage, and amicable splits can be more difficult than expected.

So, how can you have a less stressful divorce in North Carolina? First of all, you might want to get help from a mental health professional as a first step. There is no shame in getting help, and this type of assistance can be worth its weight in gold. Secondly, you might also want to explore your legal options, as some types of divorce are inherently less stressful than others. A solid example is a collaborative divorce, which is faster and cheaper while sidestepping the combative nature of a trial.

If you would like to learn more about collaborative divorce, your best bet is to get in touch with a qualified divorce attorney in North Carolina who has experience with this subject. During your consultation, we can explain the ins and outs of this process while guiding you forward. We can also help you with virtually every aspect of your divorce, from child support and custody to alimony and property division.

A collaborative divorce is inherently less stressful than a litigated divorce for a number of reasons. First of all, a divorce trial is extremely combative in nature and promotes a “me vs. them” mentality. The emphasis is on “winning” a legal battle rather than coming to a compromise that everyone can be happy with. You may assume that if you “win” your trial, you will end up feeling happier and less stressed – but this is not always the case.

Regardless of who “wins,” one person generally walks away feeling bitter and resentful. This means that there will be lingering feelings of frustration and volatility within the family. Sometimes, these feelings can linger for years. Sometimes, they never truly go away.

Litigated divorces are also more stressful simply because they take longer to conclude. The longer a divorce drags on, the more stressful it gets. The longer a divorce drags on, the more expensive it gets. These factors make this legal process incredibly stressful. Finally, a litigated divorce also drags your children along, causing unnecessary stress to the entire family for a prolonged period of time.

In contrast, collaborative divorces allow you to wrap up negotiations within weeks or even days. They also place an emphasis on working together, coming to compromises, and negotiating for an agreement that the entire family can be satisfied with. Finally, collaborative divorces are typically much cheaper than litigated divorce, reducing financial stress.

Another positive tip for reducing stress is to communicate effectively with your spouse. Sometimes, spouses simply are not on speaking terms after a breakup – and this is often unavoidable. However, you can use your attorney to communicate with your spouse through an intermediary. If you can, speak with your former spouse directly and express your primary concerns and priorities for the divorce. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page. In some situations, it may be possible to agree upon virtually all aspects of your divorce before getting lawyers involved, which dramatically reduces stress and overall costs.

Finally, it is always a good idea to pursue a healthy lifestyle following a divorce. Although it might feel tempting to engage in addictive behaviors, it is better to stay active, eat healthy food, and approach your life with care and dignity. Physical activities can be especially helpful during this difficult time, as they help your brain “switch off” while releasing plenty of helpful endorphins. A sweet treat is acceptable from time to time, but your mental health will benefit more from wholesome, nutritional meals instead.

If you have been searching the North Carolina area for a qualified, experienced divorce attorney, look no further than Arnold Smith, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous divorcing spouses, and we have considerable experience with collaborative divorce. With our assistance, you can pursue positive results while limiting stress in a number of different ways. Book your consultation today to learn more.