Why support and good advice are vital when divorcing

The news that Hollywood actress, Drew Barrymore, relied heavily on the support and advice of her friends when going through divorce underlines the importance of being able to call on someone of sound judgement during a breakup.

Unfortunately, not everyone has a close, reliable network of family and friends to help them, which may mean that professional counselling and/or an experienced family lawyer with a holistic approach are needed.

Such specialists are only too aware that there is more to many divorces than the financial side of things – and usually more to consider than the division of assets. They also understand the emotional toll a split brings and the many feelings it can generate.

At Jones Myers we will suggest support – whether from an objective, sympathetic family member, friend or an accredited counsellor or relationship coach – if we feel it will help families to cope with a marriage break and ensure that the children are put first and retain healthy relationships with both mum and dad.

The benefits of counselling include reducing stress and legal costs by helping couples to avoid conflict and courtroom battles when resolving often sensitive issues, such as children, money and who remains in the family home.

Collaborative lawyers can also signpost separating couples to alternative methods to litigation such as mediation, arbitration and collaboration. Each is designed to make the process as quick and painless as possible, lessening costs and emotional expenditure for increased wellbeing.

With divorce being acknowledged as one of the most stressful life experiences, it is very important that you look after yourself  so that you are best-equipped to cope and move on.

Ensure that you get enough sleep, eat well and do not rely on alcohol to help get through it. Exercise is also important, for both a physical and psychological lift, while staying socially active is key to ward off isolation and depression.

You might also see if alternative therapies – e.g. massage, acupuncture or osteopathy – can ease tension and iron out niggling aches and pains.

In the same way as Drew Barrymore was advised to ‘put one foot in front of the other’ – advice she described as “physically productive and life-choice productive” – it is vital to nurture your physical and mental well-being as you map out the next stage of your life’s journey.

If you have any comments, queries or concerns on wider divorce related issues, leave a comment below, call the Jones Myers team on 0113 246 0055 or tweet us on @helpwithdivorce.