Ending a marriage can be an expensive way to obtain a fresh start. Recent estimates have priced the average American contested divorce as costing anywhere from $15,000-$30,000 for legal counsel, court fees and other related expenses alone.
As the economy is only beginning to recover from long-time devastation, divorce expenses can seem daunting even to couples whose income can be described as “quite comfortable.” However, there is one step that Pittsburgh couples can take to reduce the amount of hard-earned income that must be spent on their divorce.
When couples split, the most expensive and taxing aspect of the process is rooted in emotion. Anger, fear, jealously, love, frustration, anxiety, longing, etc. when felt and projected, can complicate the divorce process unnecessarily.
Understanding that emotions are at the heart of whatever tension is dragging out the divorce process can help you manage those emotions to your advantage.
First, allow yourself to feel whatever you need to, but in a safe environment which won’t affect your divorce or the court’s perception of you. Appearing unstable, irrational or vengeful can only hurt you.
Next, surround yourself with as much genuine support as you can. Friends and family may be eager to lend their support, but if they aren’t, community and online groups can be excellent resources.
Finally, keep the future at the forefront of your mind. Though it may seem bleak or far away, your divorce is ultimately a transition to different possibilities. Keeping this in mind may help you manage your emotions, rather than allowing them to manage you.
Source: Huffington Post, “Emotions Can Suck Your Wallet Dry in Divorce,” Susan Pease Gadoua, Feb. 10, 2012