How To Navigate A Divorce In A Pandemic
If you filed for divorce just before coronavirus hit, those plans may have come to a screeching halt. Between the court system being effectively shut down and the housing market uncertain, the global pandemic has taken a gigantic toll on families in the midst of trying to make a clean break. Here are some ways to cope until things can move forward.
Communicate better than ever.
Poor communication is likely part of what triggered your separation. But now is absolutely not the time to shut each other out. If you have children, especially, you will need to talk and agree on their schedule.
As attorneys Fox Rothschild explains, the vast majority of legal jurisdictions expect for parental control to remain the same. In other words, if you have your kids half of the time, that will continue throughout the pandemic, while also taking everyone’s health into account. When you have the kids with you, but also when you don’t. However, if moving back and forth between homes puts the children at risk, you and your former spouse are required to make the best possible arrangement for them.
Manage your finances.
Divorce can easily bring financial hardships, and the coronavirus pandemic isn’t making things any easier. Between being furloughed and separation of assets, now might be a great time to pick up a few freelance or part-time projects.
Fortunately, there are lots of jobs available that you can do from home while you are in the middle of a shelter in place order. Take advantage of the many freelance job boards that are available online right now. If you are good with words you might, for example, find a part-time gig as a resume editor, helping individuals facing unemployment effectively relay their skills and experience. Plus, there are many options for editing novels, blog posts, and email copy for grammar, syntax, and relevancy.
Get a pet.
There is zero doubt that between the global emergency and your own personal issues, you’re stressed each and every day. This is making navigating a divorce in a pandemic even harder. Unfortunately, the same goes for the kids, who are keenly aware of their parents’ emotions. As Brillia explains, a furry family member can help relieve stress and anxiety in children.
Contact your local shelter to see what’s available. Keep in mind, this is a long-term commitment. In most cases, you’ll be able to choose from a cat or a dog, and you’ll want to stock up on supplies for both so that you aren’t leaving them for pet shop runs during their transition into your home. Talk to your veterinarian also about adding probiotics to their diet, particularly if your new companion is showing signs of digestive upset, which is a common ailment in all species when making a major life change.
Learn to get along during the pandemic.
Between the divorce, financial issues, and maybe even adding a new companion animal to your home, it can be easy to let go of the most important thing. This is to display appropriate actions and behaviors to your children. Make an extra effort to simply get along. This is especially crucial if you’re still living in the same home or are frequently together in front of the kids. Be mindful that you don’t disrespect your former spouse in front of the kids, and do continue to involve your ex in making decisions about their home and lifestyle.
Ultimately, the coronavirus is going to change the way that you get and manage your marital dissolution. However, that does not mean that everything has to be negative. Although there are challenges, there are ways to circumvent many of the most difficult. Whether that’s getting a job to supplement lost income to getting a pet to help the kids cope. Some of the changes you make can have a life-long, positive impact.
Image via The NewYork Times.
This article was contributed by:
Gabriel Patel – Content Writer
Gabriel Patel helped create Health Well Wise to help inspire others to find health and happiness in their lives.
Website: www.idstrong.com