Divorce is a significant traumatic event that brings so many changes to your family’s life that they are often overwhelming and seem impossible to cope with. It helps to take a step back and see the big picture so that you can be better prepared. Here are some of the most common changes that can occur:
- Living arrangements – one or both parents may move out of the family home, resulting in changes in living conditions, schools and expenses.
- Primary Care arrangements – one parent might have the primary residence of their children while the other parent only has visitation from them or both parents could share equally. Either way, it affects parenting schedules, transportation and child support payments.
- Financial – income and assets are often split in between the two parties, leading to down-scaling, lowering standards of living, budgeting and new financial responsibilities.
- Social relationships – family dynamics and friendships are impacted which changes social support networks and the availability of emotional and/or financial support.
- Emotional – divorce can have a significant emotional impact on both parents, their children and their extended family. Stress, anxiety and depression are some of the results which may change the family’s mental health needs and need for support services.
- Legal processes – the need for legal representation with high legal fees can arise when negotiating division of assets, maintenance and parenting plans.
In summary, divorce can bring about many practical changes to a family’s circumstances having a profound impact on our practical day to day living, social relationships, support structures, emotional wellbeing and finances. It is so important to seek support during this difficult time, to help navigate these changes and minimise the traumatic effect on the family.
What are some other changes that you have experienced as a result of separation or divorce?