Divorce: Fear of Missing Out
Beginning the divorce process is often intimidating. Emotions run high even if both parties agree that a divorce is going to happen. Often, one spouse wants the divorce and the other one is uncertain or does not want the divorce.
Decisions must be made about property division, where will the children live, how can each parent spend quality time with the children and how will a one-household income now be stretched to support two homes. There is often a fear of the unknown and fear of missing out on important events when the children are with the other parent. And of course, the fear of missing out on the lifestyle and benefits that a spouse used to enjoy.
General Fear and the Fear of Missing Out
Divorce legalese can seem like a foreign language. If you hire an attorney to explain things to you and to help you through the process, many of your fears will be alleviated. It can be compared to having a medical procedure; you can Google it and learn about some general information, but you need to hire a medical professional who knows what they are doing to operate. You shouldn’t have to become a legal expert just because your marriage is breaking up.
It is normal to fear what will happen concerning the most personal issues confronting you in the divorce: your children and your things. Most parents would like to be a fly on the wall in the other parent’s home when the children are there. Sometimes they resort to pumping the children for information. This is clearly not going to help the situation.
In reality, the couple who could not get along when married likely will not be able to magically agree on issues now that they are divorced. The situation is often complicated when new romantic interests or new spouses or children are added to the mix. Counseling can help the couple navigate these uncharted waters.
Another solution that helps to alleviate divorce fears is the collaborative divorce process.
Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce
A collaborative divorce has many benefits including:
- It’s private. Documents with personal details are not filed with the court and there are no court hearings. Your “dirty laundry” is not aired in public.
- You have the benefit of neutral professionals to help you come to your own unique settlement agreement. A financial professional assists you with budgeting and property division. A child psychologist helps you craft workable possession schedules, and a mental health professional can help the two of you be in the same room together and learn how to co-parent effectively and without animosity.
For More Information About Divorce Contact an Experienced Dallas Family Law Attorney.
To schedule a free initial consultation with a Dallas Family Law Attorney, contact Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices at 214-420-1800.
Paula Lock Smyth has practiced law in Texas since 1985, focusing on Family Law, Probate, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce. She is a trained mediator, seasoned litigator, and one of the early adopters of Collaborative Divorce in Texas. Paula is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the College of the State Bar and the Texas Bar Foundation and has served as Past President of Dallas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.
She was a Master in the Annette Stewart Inn of Court and is a Charter Member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas. Her legal knowledge and decades of experience make her a trusted voice on matters that impact families across Dallas and surrounding counties.
