When we meet with someone who has questions about divorce, we typically discuss what we call the “three emotional phases of divorce”.
The first phase is where you may be right now. It’s the feeling that there is a heavy weight on your shoulders that won’t go away. Even when you are doing something fun, your fun is diminished by the thought that the divorce is still out there. It’s a feeling that you just can’t shake.
The second phase is the new you. When the divorce papers are signed, the money is moved, and everything is finalized, you have entered a new phase – the new you. The weight has been lifted. This is the time to decide who the new you wants to be! What does your day look like? How will the holidays play out? What will you do for vacation? Finding the answers, developing the new you, can take a year, sometimes longer.
The third phase is the rest of your life. In this phase, the reality sets in and you understand that the financial issues are now your responsibility. Cash flow, retirement savings, insurance, taxes, your estate documents. What should you be doing? What do you do next?
At Alternative Divorce Solutions, we know these three phases, because we have over 35 years of combined experience helping our clients meet their goals. We don’t talk about phase three decisions, when you are in phase one. It’s a waste of your time. You aren’t ready. We will move at your pace, but we will encourage you to move forward.
With us as your financial advocate, you won’t have to walk this path alone. We are here to help you through the process, guide you through each phase, and provide you with financial information and projections that will help you make decisions going forward.
