Divorce changes everything. Your marriage is unraveling and, with that, the consistency in your life. The result can be a time of chaos and unpredictability. The good news is that this situation is temporary. If you have been separated or knew divorce was coming, you’ve had time to prepare. If your Michigan divorce hit you fast, you may be on shaky ground, but it will solidify. You will learn to live a new kind of life. All you have to do is trust that your situation is temporary and act accordingly.
Dealing with the Basics
You share a home with your spouse. Now that you’re splitting up, the person who’s staying in the home will be taking on all the responsibilities of that residence. Whether it was your responsibility before or not, your to-do list will now include everything from paying the bills to taking out the trash, mowing the lawn to washing the sheets.
Some people who perhaps did not contribute to the work of their household all that much will find themselves dealing with a huge learning curve. That toilet paper did not replenish itself every few weeks – you actually have to go out and buy it. If one of you did not work but now find yourself having to earn a living, you’ll taking on the burden of sole breadwinner. For some people, this is a stress. For others, it’s freedom.
Eventually, you’ll get into a groove with your new household, minus one. And it will be OK. There will be bumps along the way, days without clean clothes, evenings without a decent meal, a bill or two that gets overlooked. Cut yourself some slack. Divorce is a lifestyle – but it’s temporary.
The New Parenting
Ideally, you will establish an amicable co-parenting plan with your ex. You will find yourself in a far different situation than you were before, especially if you weren’t the parent “managing” all the kids’ needs. Now you’ll find yourself buying clothes, preparing meals, packing lunches, arranging playdates, driving to lessons, doing hair, clipping nails, brushing teeth, replenishing diapers, giving baths, attending school events, and having to remember everything without anyone reminding you. It will all fall on you when the kids are in your care.
If you’ve been the main caregiver for your children, you will find yourself with more time on your hands when your kids are with your former spouse. That will be a challenge, at least at first. You will miss your kids when they’re not with you, but you will likely find that you come to appreciate the time you have on your own.
Some couples even parent better after divorce because one half finally sees and respects just how much the other person was doing on their own all these years. The person who was doing a lot of the parenting will finally have time to be rejuvenated and rest. You may get along for the first time in a long time.
Divorce Will Make You Stronger
Whether you were blindsided by divorce or whether you saw it coming, the actual act of divorcing is stressful and exhausting, emotionally draining and financially painful. Working with a knowledgeable Michigan divorce attorney will make your journey easier. You will move through the divorce efficiently and with advice to help you move on with your life. Contact Michigan Divorce Help, PLLC in Macomb, Michigan to schedule your consultation.