What Are The Benefits Of Having A Separation Before a Divorce?
If you know it’s time to end your marriage, there are many different things you’ll need to think about, including finances and, if you have children, custody arrangements, not to mention the emotional side of things - even if you know a divorce is the right thing, it’s still going to be a difficult thing to go through.
For some couples, getting a separation before finalizing a divorce is a great idea, and it can be helpful in a number of different ways. If you’re wondering whether it might be a good idea for you, keep reading to see what the benefits of a separation are.
A Clearer Head
No matter what the reasons for your divorce, it’s going to involve a lot of emotions, potentially both positive and negative ones. That means your vision and view of the future can be clouded, and it will be hard to see what the future might bring or even what steps to take next in the present.
When you have a separation before you contact a family law attorney to start divorce proceedings, you’ll have a chance to get your emotions under control and consider what it is you’re really feeling. Both sides of the couple will have the opportunity to get that all-important clear head so they can work out what to do next and how to do it in the best way for all concerned.
Consider The Children
No couple should ever stay together ‘for the sake of the children’ if they’re not happy because those children will generally pick up on those negative feelings, and they won’t be happy either. If divorce is the best thing, then divorce is the right answer.
However, when you have children, divorce becomes a lot more complicated, and that’s why a separation can be useful. When you separate, you can work out all the different ways that you can still both see your kids, and you can decide on the best way to co-parent them so that everyone’s happy - including the little ones. Plus, a separation means the children have a chance to get used to things gradually. By the time you actually get a divorce, everyone will be settled and used to their new routine.
Potential Reconciliation
Not all separations lead to reconciliation, but it’s also worth mentioning that not all separations lead to divorce either, and your separation will give you a chance to decide whether a divorce is really what you both want and what is best for your relationship.
Whatever the outcome, your separation will give you the space you need to think things through before anything is final, and you’ll be able to have the room you need by yourself to think about the pros and cons of a divorce.
As we said, going through a divorce and ending a relationship is always going to be an emotional time, and sometimes those emotions will cloud your judgment; it might be that some time apart is exactly what you need.
