When “I Do” Becomes “I Don’t” — Follow These Steps to Help Make Your Divorce Less Painful
There’s a good chance you weren’t thinking about divorce when you tied the knot, but unfortunately, marriages sometimes reach a place beyond healing. No two divorces are the same, but nearly all divorces share a few things in common. There’s regret, confusion, anxiety; divorce can be quite painful or stressful and potentially very expensive. It is difficult to know where to turn when you are faced with divorce, and to make matters worse, you might now be contending with a number of decisions that can have an enormous impact on your future.
We’ve all heard stories about long, drawn-out proceedings; maybe you even know someone who has endured an emotional and financial nightmare of a divorce. With some careful planning — and the right lawyer — there are a few steps you can take to get things moving and retain your emotional and financial health. Keep these in mind and you just might be surprised how quickly you can turn an ordeal into an opportunity to meet your goals or even develop a durable parental relationship.
Divorce is the end of one of the most important relationships in your life, at least in the romantic sense. Many of us count on our spouses for emotional support, and it can be difficult to lose that source of understanding. It helps if you can lean on friends and family for some of the stability you may have lost, but remember to be kind to yourself as well. Celebrate small wins with a bubble bath or a favorite take-out spot. Hit the gym or take a yoga class — even a long walk can help you stay balanced. Most of all, remember to go easy on yourself and you’ll already have a leg up on starting your new life.
Don’t Forget: It’s All Business Now
Getting divorced is emotional, but it’s also a lot of work! Part of recognizing your own emotional needs during this difficult period involves knowing when to keep your emotions in check.
While it’s true that most people get married for love, it’s important to remember that marriage itself is a legal contract. Now it’s time to terminate that contract, and it is critical that you do so in a good headspace. Staying organized is a great way to remain focused; there’s a lot you can do that will help your attorney later. Now is the time to get your financial records together for your Financial Affidavit, for instance. It is important that you inform your attorney about all your debts and assets in detail so that nothing is forfeited that you might have been entitled to. You can also read about divorce laws and organize your questions into a list - anything you do now can help you protect your future and the future of your family. Which brings us to the next crucial step…
A big part of my practice is counseling people, helping them to cope and realize that things will get better. I personally supervise each and every case that this law firm takes on, and I make sure every member of my staff is sensitive to the grief and upheaval that my clients are experiencing.
Laura D. Heard, Senior Attorney
It’s Time to Form Your Team
You’ve got friends, family, maybe even a therapist or pastor to help you contend with the emotional fallout of your divorce, but that’s just the beginning. You’re going to need a great lawyer, specifically a family law attorney with the experience to navigate the legal system and protect your rights — and the ability to do it quickly. The laws concerning divorce are complex and change over time.
Even if you manage to avoid litigation, divorces settled via mediation or collaboration can get messy; contested issues like child custody and visitation rights, division of retirement and other assets or alimony disputes can bring the whole process to a grinding halt. In the course of battle fatigue and sometimes denial that often accompanies divorce, many people cause themselves unnecessary financial loss for years to come with an unfair division or set themselves up for future litigation. A skilled divorce attorney like Laura D. Heard combines experience, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and compassion to get you the best outcome from your divorce.
San Antonio native attorney Laura D. Heard has practiced law in Texas for over 35 years, and she is specially trained in family law mediations. Her accolades include a “superb” 9.9 rating on Avvo as well as being recognized by Scene in San Antonio Magazine as a top Appellate and Family Lawyer. She has been awarded Top Family Law attorney in San Antonio, Top 10 Family Lawyers in Texas, and recognized for exceptional client service by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. Heard is a member of the Christian Legal Society and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), in addition to enjoying an A+ Accredited Business rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Get Excited for Your Next Chapter!
Even with a compassionate attorney like Laura D. Heard fighting for your interests, there are times when the divorce process can feel like walking through a minefield. Each decision you make can have a financial or legal impact or create a ripple effect among your family and community. Keeping a positive mindset can make a big difference. While it’s true that some aspects of your divorce will be beyond your control, having an advocate like Laura D. Heard dedicated to protecting your rights and future can help you avoid missteps and get you moving on with the next chapter of your life. With the peace of mind that comes from a favorably settled divorce, it’s time to look forward with confidence, explore and get reacquainted with yourself. Celebrate being single, revisit your old hopes and dreams, cultivate new friendships … the sky is the limit!
If you think you might require a compassionate, experienced attorney to help with your divorce, look no further than Laura D. Heard Law Firm, Inc., where their focus is your family’s future. With the vast resources and experience at her disposal, Heard is equipped to help you find closure as you end this stage of your life and embark on another. To learn more about Laura D. Heard Law Firm, Inc. — or to request a consultation — visit https://www.ldheard.com or call 210-655-9090.
In March of this year, Heard published her new book Divorce and Estate Planning in Texas: How to Plan Ahead for the Unexpected and Save Your Family’s Future. Heard’s book provides many important details on the options for divorce in the state of Texas, the impact of divorce on estate planning and other complex family issues in her easy-to-understand writing style.