On behalf of The Law Offices of Dorie A. Rogers, APC posted in Divorce on Tuesday, June 18, 2019.
Like many parents in California, you likely had many worries weighing on your mind after deciding to divorce. You no doubt had concerns about how your decision might affect your children’s lives, although you were hopeful that your kids would successfully adapt to a new lifestyle. Especially if you were married for many years, transitioning into single parenthood can be quite challenging. Divorce often evokes a string of mixed emotions.
In addition to child custody, support and other child-related matters, there are financial implications to consider, including what you’re going to do with the house. Any number of legal issues can arise as your household becomes a single-parent household. Knowing where to seek legal guidance support can help make the process less stressful.
Establishing independence
Your life immediately changes in many ways when you divorce. But some changes are more gradual, such as getting used to being on your own and handling everything from finances and taxes to vehicle maintenance and other household issues. While you might feel a bit anxious at first, you may also find that you enjoy your new independence. The more confident you are, the more likely your children will take their cues from you in adjusting to their “new normal.”
Perhaps there are certain issues you feel ill-equipped to tackle on your own. Part of confidence is knowing that it’s okay to reach out for support as needed. Don’t be afraid to enlist assistance from a trusted friend or relative. You can also tap into local resources such as family support groups or legal assistance.
Brush up on your organizational skills
Many parents find their greatest challenges in developing their own system at home for banking, filing tax forms, medical information, finances, etc. The more organized you are with important documents, the better able you’ll be to establish independence.
There are many apps and various types of computer software programs that make organizing and filing documents simple and convenient. In addition to being organized regarding paperwork, it’s also a good idea to develop a system for your co-parenting plan. This makes it easier to remember who is driving the kids to specific activities or where the children will spend their holidays, etc.
Take one step at a time
Try to go easy on yourself as you and your children move on in life after divorce. No one expects you to have all your ducks in a row right from the start. It’s a learning process, and you may hit a few bumps in the road along the way. The key is to build a strong support network and to not be afraid to rely on others when a problem arises that you do not feel able to handle on your own.