Going through a divorce is often a life altering event, no matter if it is a positive or negative alliteration of your life. It can be a time of great stress, difficult emotions, and comes with lots of decisions to make and things to do. In order for your divorce to go as smoothly as possible, it is best to be prepared.

But how can you even prepare for a divorce? Most likely, you saw this coming. And if not, start getting prepared as soon as you and your partner agree on a divorce. Getting ahead of the many things you will need to do will help move the process along quickly and seamlessly, so you can move on with your life and start your next chapter.

Make a To Do List

Figure out what you need to do in order to get on track. Do you own a house with your partner? Do you need to figure out custody of your children? Are there other assets that need to be managed? Make a list of everything that will need to be taken care of and start working towards figuring out how to deal with it all. Staying organized when you are going through an emotionally difficult time can help you to succeed. 

Get Your Team Together 

Now that you have gotten yourself organized, make the necessary phone calls and connections to get the ball rolling. Of course, you should find a good divorce lawyer or mediator. Next, look for realtors, childcare, and therapists to help with the rest. And don’t forget your support system. Calling on your family and friends during a difficult time is important for feeling love and connection rather than isolation.

Figure Out Your Next Move

This one can be a little tricky and involve some soul searching, but it is the most important step for your happiness. You may not be able to figure out everything right now, but knowing your next move is crucial. Now is the time to figure out if you need a career change to support your family, or if you need to move locations, or if you haven’t been living a life you are happy with.

Prioritize Health and Self-Care

When we are stressed or sad, often our health is the first thing to let go of. Give yourself some time to grieve, but then get working on your health and self care! Being prepared will never work if you feel terrible everyday. Get moving, and prioritize your hobbies and things that make you feel good. 

Don’t let a stressful situation frazzle you. Be prepared for your divorce with this handy list and get through a tough time in your life with the help of others around you. And while a short list seems easy, things like this are often easier said than done. If you are still struggling don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

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