There’s no shame in feeling upset and confused about your divorce. No one ever expects to have to go through a divorce when they get married. When you realize there is no way forward for your marriage and the only way to prioritize your own happiness is a divorce, it’s understandable to have conflicting emotions. If you’re not careful, those emotions can impact other aspects of your life. An experienced Indianapolis, IN divorce lawyer can help you with some coping strategies.
Divorces Are Often Emotionally Catastrophic
No two divorces are ever the same because no two marriages are ever the same. Each person enters into their marriage with their own wants, needs, and expectations. While you may be expecting compromise and teamwork, your spouse may have a totally different view of what a marriage is. It is important you find out what that is before marriage, or else it might backfire on you and put you on the path to divorce. Everyone handles the fallout from a divorce differently.
Some people may be hurt initially, but once the divorce proceedings are over, that may be the last time they feel anything about it. Other people may never fully recover from such an emotionally traumatic event. It can cause them to develop trust issues, hurt their future relationships, and even give them various emotional disorders. Divorce is often a very hard thing to process, and it is important to take it seriously as a monumental life change that is going to have substantial effects.
While most uncontested divorces go fairly smoothly, there may still be some sore subjects that are difficult to approach, such as child custody arrangements or alimony. However, it is nothing compared to the emotionally and mentally draining battleground of a contested divorce. Many divorces do not end amicably, with both parties trying to make sure they come out on top over the other spouse in virtually everything. This can be complex, overwhelming, and enraging all at once.
Health Coping Strategies for Your Divorce
Regardless of whether or not a divorce is contested or uncontested, the end result is ultimately the same for you. You are no longer married, and that realization can be difficult to process at first. A divorce can take a financial and emotional toll on you that may never fully heal, but you can take certain steps to try. Grieving for your divorce is normal. Essentially, it’s like a death in the family. You have to accept that it’s gone and pick up what’s left. Here are some important coping strategies:
- You still matter. Above all else, you need to prioritize your own self-care. Taking care of yourself is important, and it can take many different forms. You shouldn’t try to bury or ignore your emotions. Feel them in their entirety. Otherwise, moving on may be next to impossible. You may be angry about what happened. You may be sad. You may be confused. Experience your emotions, or this may stay with you forever.
- Divorce is not a failure. No matter how defeated you may be feeling after your divorce, you need to consistently remind yourself that you didn’t fail. A divorce is simply two married people realizing they aren’t happy and taking the steps to change that. You have an opportunity to start over. The alternative was staying in a broken marriage and growing resentful with each passing day, which would hurt far worse.
- Embrace support. Try to surround yourself with family, friends, and others who have stood by you during this trying time. Take comfort in the ones you love and be honest with them about how you are feeling. Your divorce lawyer can help you find support groups, additional strategies, therapists, and more to help you cope.
FAQs
Q: How Long Does It Take to Get Divorced in Indiana?
A: There is no telling how long it might take to get divorced in Indiana. Every divorce case is different and is going to be impacted by different factors unique to that case. Generally, it takes at least 60 days to fully finalize, but depending on the complexities of your case, it could take anywhere from a few months to several years. Considerable assets, child custody, and an unwillingness to compromise can make the process take longer.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for My Divorce in Indiana?
A: Technically, you do not need a lawyer for your divorce in Indiana. If you want to handle your divorce proceedings yourself, you are well within your rights to do so. However, you should be warned it may not go the way you want. There’s a strong chance your former spouse will hire a lawyer, and you may find yourself unprepared to go up against a seasoned professional. You should consider hiring a lawyer just to be safe.
Q: If My Spouse Refuses to Sign the Papers, Can I Still Get Divorced?
A: Yes, you can still get divorced if your spouse refuses to cooperate and sign the papers. Divorce proceedings do not simply stop because one spouse doesn’t want to get divorced. If your spouse refuses to accept the inevitable, the court will move forward with the process without them, and they may even lose out on spousal support or certain assets if they refuse to participate.
Q: What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Indiana?
A: Indiana is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need grounds to file for divorce. However, there are several other ways you can pursue a divorce. Grounds for divorce in Indiana include an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, a felony conviction, impotence, or incurable insanity. If your marriage is suffering any of these issues, you have grounds for a divorce.
Contact a Divorce Lawyer Today
Coping with your divorce won’t be easy, but it’s something you have to figure out how to do for yourself if you want to retrieve any semblance of normalcy in your life moving forward. A good divorce lawyer can help you find your way back from the brink and ground yourself. At Stange Law Firm, we can help. Contact us to speak with someone on our team.
