One of the hardest parts of getting divorced is trying to move on once everything has been finalized. It’s understandable to have difficulties when putting the pieces of your life back together, especially if the divorce was heavily contested. You may be totally on your own for the first time in years, maybe decades. The emotional fallout you may feel can be overwhelming, but a St. Charles divorce lawyer can help you figure out how to move forward on your own.
Getting divorced is not a pleasant process. Even if your spouse is not contesting anything and the process moves as smoothly as it can, you are still ending your marriage. You may have expected your marriage to last forever, and divorce wasn’t something you even considered. Now, though, it’s important to safeguard your finances and disentangle your life from your spouse’s as cleanly as possible. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you accomplish this.
Hiring the Right Divorce Lawyer
When you are facing a divorce, choosing the right lawyer to represent your interests may be the most important and significant decision you make. Without strong legal representation, it will be easy for your spouse’s legal team to tear your position apart and take advantage of you. Having an experienced divorce lawyer by your side can make all the difference. The multi-state legal team at Stange Law Firm has helped countless clients across the country. We can help you, too.
Understanding the marriage and divorce rates in your state can make you feel less alone and could even reinforce your decision to divorce. According to statistical data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of divorce in Missouri is quite high at 2.6 per 1,000 residents as of 2023. At the same time, the state’s rate of marriage is fairly low at only 5.8 per 1,000 residents as of 2023, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Facing life after divorce can be overwhelming in more ways than one, and it may benefit you to talk to people who are going through similar issues. You should consider reaching out to a local divorce support group like DivorceCare or Singles Again. You are not alone in this. People get divorced all the time, and talking about your fears, concerns, and hopes among like-minded individuals can expedite the healing process and give you something to look forward to.
Important Tips for After Divorce
Once your divorce has been finalized and you are no longer married, you may not know what to do with yourself. That’s understandable, as you may have been tethered to someone who didn’t appreciate you. Now, the sky’s the limit on what you can do with your life. Your lawyer can help you finalize the legalities of your divorce. These are some important tips on what you might want to do with yourself after the divorce process has ended:
- The very first thing you should do after a divorce is establish clear boundaries with your ex. Even after the divorce has been finalized, there’s a possibility your ex may still feel entitled to your time and your personal space. It’s up to you to decide if you still want them in your life, and it’s okay to decide that you don’t. If you have to co-parent with them, drawing boundaries can be difficult but not impossible.
- A divorce can do a lot for your sense of self-confidence. Depending on the details of your case, you may have been emotionally exploited for quite some time. Your spouse may have gaslighted you into believing you were the problem. Now that emotional abuse is over, you can start rebuilding yourself into a confident person deserving of love and happiness. Go on dates, learn a skill, pick up a hobby, or take some time to be yourself.
FAQs
Q: Is Divorce the Right Answer?
A: You’re the only one who knows the answer to this question. Everyone who gets divorced does so for their own reasons, and those reasons usually include their spouse crossing a line of some kind. If your spouse ignores your boundaries and pushes you too far, there’s nothing wrong with choosing to end the marriage and move forward in life on your own. If you feel like there’s something left to salvage, pursue that instead. It’s entirely up to you.
Q: How Does Asset Division Work in Missouri?
A: In Missouri, marital assets are distributed in accordance with the equitable distribution model. By using this model, the Missouri family court is able to divide marital assets fairly between both spouses while ignoring separate property acquired prior to marriage. It’s important to keep in mind that fair and equal do not mean the same thing. The court will consider each spouse’s contributions to the marriage and their financial security in order to determine a fair split.
Q: When Should I Start Dating Again?
A: That depends on many important factors, including how quickly you can heal from your divorce. Some people may be ready to date as soon as the divorce is finalized. Others need months or even years to heal their heart from such a loss. Ultimately, you should start dating when you feel ready for it. If you have kids, you should take their feelings into consideration and make it clear you’re not trying to replace their other parent.
Q: Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?
A: Yes, you need a divorce lawyer. While you are never legally required to hire a lawyer to represent you in court, it’s highly recommended that you do so any time you are dealing with legal strife of any kind, including a divorce. Having someone in your corner who understands the complexities of Missouri divorce law can only help you in the long run, especially if your divorce is going to be contested.
Reach Out Today
At Stange Law Firm, we can provide you with the necessary resources to see your divorce through to the end. Contact us to speak with a valued member of our team about what we can do for you.