Separation: Tips to Survive Marriage Dissolution

Are you facing a separation in Virginia? In addition to contacting a Newport News divorce attorney, you should also take other steps to prepare yourself for the challenges. 

There is no legal separation in Virginia. The couple simply begins living in separate residences, which begins the six-month to one-year period that's necessary to obtain a divorce. There's a lot to think about and do during this time, and the way you choose to respond to your separation can affect how your divorce experience will play out. 

The Emotional Side of Separation 

A person can respond emotionally to separation in a variety of ways. The emotional response to separation depends on several factors: 

• the duration of the marriage;
• the overall quality of the relationship; and
• who chose to initiate the separation. 

In many cases, a person grieves the loss of a marriage in stages much like the way as they would grieve a death. The length of the grieving process is different for everyone. 

What You Can Do to Survive Separation 

It can help to have a caring lifeline of people around during your separation so you can have moral support. Those who have been through divorces of their own can be very helpful during this time by giving advice based on experience. Remember, though, your divorce is your own and may have distinct legal and psychological components that differ from your friend's divorce experience. 

Some individuals find that counseling is a good option because it can help them let go of their marriage in a healthy way and possibly help them deal with related issues so that they'll have a better chance of success in life and future relationships. 

Addressing the Financial Aspects of Separation 

Handling finances during a separation involves getting your finances untangled from those of your spouse and building your own independent financial life: 

• Obtain your credit score and address any issues with debt that you may have.
• Understand what assets you and your soon-to-be-ex have, so that you'll know what may be available to you in the divorce settlement.
• Ask your Newport News divorce attorney what types of financial paperwork he or she will need to put together your divorce case. 

If you have children, prepare them for the impending divorce by being honest, open, and comforting to them. If possible, negotiate a parenting plan with your spouse with the help of a mediator, so that you don't end up in a difficult custody dispute. 

Contact a Newport News Divorce Attorney 

Throughout your divorce proceedings, you’ll naturally have a lot of questions specific to your circumstances. Get your questions answered by requesting one of our free divorce guides for women or reserving your seat at our monthly divorce seminar. 

The Virginia divorce attorneys at Hofheimer Family Law Firm are committed to fighting for your rights, assisting in child custody disputes, and advocating that you receive everything you are entitled to and need in order to start your new life. Call for a consultation today at 757-425-5200.