What Resources are Available for Emotional Support During a Divorce?

The emotional cost of a divorce could exceed the financial cost.

Depression, guilt, regret, and other negative emotions are an inevitable part of a divorce. A non-filing spouse is usually distraught over the breakup of the marriage. A filing spouse is usually distraught over the breakup of the marriage or the lost possibility of what might have been. Sometimes, people can deal with these emotions by talking it out with friends or family or perhaps a clergyman. Sometimes, people need additional emotional support during a divorce. We will examine some potential sources below.

A Fort Worth family law attorney provides emotional and legal support not only during a divorce but also during the legal proceedings that almost inevitably follow divorce, mostly custody and support modifications and enforcement actions. When emotional and/or financial circumstances change, the paperwork must be legally changed as well. A long-term relationship with a single Fort Worth family law attorney helps ensure that these post-divorce matters are wrapped up as quickly as possible, so they do not reopen old wounds.

Support Groups

Emotional support groups, whether formal or informal, may be the most important available resource for people going through a divorce. Please do not neglect this resource.

We mentioned religious support above. Many churches, synagogues, and mosques also offer divorce recovery groups. Faith-based groups are not for everyone, but in most cases, they are always worth a try.

For those who want or need a more clinical approach, such support groups are usually available. Many psychologists and psychiatrists have monthly or other periodic support groups. Like religious support groups, these groups usually require registration and a modest fee.

The divorce rate has leveled off recently. But it was so high for so many years that almost everyone knows several divorced people. An informal support group may require some initiative, but it is usually easy to organize. Most people are willing to pitch in to help a friend. Besides, the initiative might be a good thing. Organizing an informal support group gives people going through divorce something to do other than watch the rain pour and pour down on how much they have lost.

Dating Partners

Do not rely on a dating partner for emotional support. In most cases, dating during a divorce is a bad idea, especially in Texas.

Young children often have a Disney happily-ever-after view of relationships. They do not understand that relationships very rarely work out in the long term, and many relationships are temporary by nature. They have already undergone one emotional shock. Putting them at risk for another one could affect a child custody case.

In Texas, dating during a divorce could also affect a property settlement. Fault in the breakup of the marriage is a factor to consider. If the other side’s lawyer proves that the relationship contributed to the breakup of the marriage, and the burden of proof is only a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) in civil court, a romantic relationship could cost thousands of dollars.

A Fort Worth Family Law Attorney

Quite simply, a lawyer can minimize the emotional effects of a divorce by shortening the process. The faster the matter settles, the faster everyone can move on with their lives. If the emotional fallout is too much to bear, making some concessions in other areas, like the amount of spousal support, might be a good idea.

Non-litigation alternatives, such as collaborative law, may be available in some cases. These non-litigation alternatives significantly reduce emotional stress for everyone.

Work With a Dedicated Tarrant County Attorney

Expect emotional fallout in a divorce and know how to manage it. For a confidential consultation with an experienced family law attorney in Ft. Worth, contact the Law Office of Kyle Whitaker. Convenient payment plans are available.