Statistically, about half of all marriages in Illinois will end in divorce. Understandably, it can be a time of stress and emotional upheaval, but that’s not the only way to view this experience. Instead of viewing a marital breakup as a failure, it is helpful to view divorce as a fresh start. Here’s how to find closure and move on.
A divorce is a lot like death in that an individual is losing someone he or she was close to. Like death, there will also be a period of mourning following a divorce. Not only is it okay to mourn the positive parts of a marriage, it’s healthy to acknowledge them in order to make room for something new. It can be helpful to consult a mental health professional to help with working through feelings in a constructive way. Joining a divorce support group may also be beneficial.
For parents, try to keep a civil relationship with the ex-spouse. Even though parents may be separated, they have a responsibility to keep the relationships of the children with both parents loving and civil, if possible. Always avoid speaking negatively about a former spouse in front of the children, even if the relationship was rocky.
Although it may be difficult, try to look at the end of the marriage as a transition to the next chapter of life. Divorce doesn’t have to be a negative experience. Those in Illinois who are planning a divorce may want to discuss the matter with an experienced family law attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can help an individual view his or her divorce with less emotion and ensure that he or she receives fair consideration in a divorce settlement.