When faced with the reality of a divorce, you may seek advice from friends, family members, colleagues, or neighbors who have been through a divorce.
Remember that every divorce is unique just as every marriage is unique, your marriage is different from your cousin’s your best friend’s or your neighbor’s and the outcome of your divorce is likely to be different also. In a traditional, litigated divorce, different facts can lead to different outcomes when applying California law, and the financial implications of your divorce will be different from your friends or neighbors.
During the divorce process, you will find yourself mired in document gathering, financial disclosures, perhaps sitting for a deposition and multiple meetings with your divorce professionals and appearing for court hearings. The sheer magnitude of these tasks will encroach on other important aspects of your life, such as work, child-rearing, and maintaining any semblance of a social life.
The stress can become overwhelming, particularly when dealing with all the uncertainties, especially if the case is contentious and not settled using Mediation or the Collaborative Divorce Team approach where you have more control over the outcome.
The emotional impact of divorce is often not emphasized, the focus is usually on “the law,” but the stress and anxiety you undergo is a big factor.
It is imperative to prioritize your well-being during this time. Pay attention to your health by maintaining a balanced diet, incorporating exercise into your routine, and steering clear of detrimental coping mechanisms like excessive junk food or alcohol consumption. Taking care of yourself is crucial, especially if you have children to care for and considering the prolonged and potentially arduous nature of the divorce process.
From a financial perspective, divorce can significantly dent your pocketbook, especially if it involves prolonged litigation. Attorney fees, court expenses, and court reporter costs of ongoing disputes can quickly add up. In some instances, the process will extend well beyond the mandatory six-month waiting period, leaving you and your spouse in limbo for an extended duration sometimes for 1-2-3 years. External factors, such as court scheduling and unforeseen life events, will further contribute to delays.
In contrast to a litigated divorce, using Mediation or the Collaborative Divorce approach will often expedite the proceedings and provide you with a greater sense of control over how to resolve your divorce and manage the financial costs.
Ultimately, understanding the multifaceted nature of divorce is essential. Managing your expectations, prioritizing your well-being, and being cognizant of the potential challenges and delays can help you navigate this complex process more effectively. While it is an emotionally trying time, it is important to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and with the right approach, you can emerge stronger and ready to embrace the next chapter of your life.
Fosgate Family Law & Mediation Center is located at 3500 West Olive Ave., Suite 300, Burbank, CA 91505. To schedule a free joint couple’s consultation to learn about “no court” divorce services, please call (818) 827-7157 or contact our office.
Since 2010, Burbank Lawyer Jami Fosgate has dedicated her law practice to assisting clients in a broad range of Family Law matters. In addition to helping couples and individuals peacefully resolve their cases in a timely and cost-effective manner, Jami Fosgate also provides Family Law Legal Documentation Preparation.
Jami Fosgate’s mediation practice is focused on bringing the parties together to control the outcome of their case and settle their disagreements amicably. By doing so, the parties will be better equipped to co-parent and work together to resolve any future conflicts.
