Separated but Undecided About Divorce

Separated but Undecided About Divorce

Separated but Undecided About Divorce

Making the final decision to file for divorce comes very slowly in some situations. One spouse may initiate the separation; the other goes alone because there doesn't seem to be a choice; but neither may be able to take the final step.But limbo can't last forever. (OK, occasionally you'll hear of a couple who has chosen to exist in marital limbo for many years, but it's rare.) In fact, limbo is such unsettled territory, that often one or both spouses continue to feel the fresh pain of being apart for many months.Am I about to be alone? Does he just need to remember to miss me and our lives together? Am I kidding myself maybe this is just prolonged denial.

Whatever it is, that situation deprives both parties of a fresh start either together or divorced.Here are a few ways to create a healthier limbo:

Divorce Attorney: Spend an hour talking to a divorce lawyer about the rules of marital separation in your area. Does moving out of the marital home constitute abandonment? If you leave the children in the care of your spouse, will it effect your future custody agreement? Simply ask how any actions you take now could have a bearing on your future lifeif you eventually get a divorce.Be overly cautious now rather than wish at some point in the future that you had been!

Family: Spend social time with your family at least with those whose company you enjoy! Avoid the ones who can't refrain from quizzing you and/or constantly telling you what you should do. You need a break from that. If you have children, spend pleasant, happy time with them, whether you're living with them or not.

Friends: If you have long time friends who won't take sides and who can be both good listeners and fun company, spend time with them on shared interests, old and new.

New Friends: Meet new people and develop new friendships. Those who only know you, the new you, won't remind you of what was or what may come to be. They only know the you of right now. Spend time getting to know the ones who make you feel good about yourself and life in general. Steer clear of the doomsayers.

Weekends: Some separated and divorced people really hate being at home on weekend evenings others don't. If you feel down at those times, make it a point to plan a shared, fun activity for at least one of those nights every weekend.* In economically tough times, make it a group challenge to come up with free or very cheap fun so no one will be left out. Free concerts and plays at universities, workshops and seminars at churches and other religious settings, and community festivals can be great for all involved.

Practical Steps: Whether you stay married or not, there are a few basic, healthy steps to take now. Open your own checking account; apply for your own credit card (legitimately using full household income on the application); and start a separate cell phone account if you're currently on a family plan. Those are good, safe steps to take even if you return to a long and happy marriage.

In essence, develop your own healthy life one that doesn't involve your separate spouse. You aren't excluding or shunning. You're simply choosing to be a healthy individual, whatever the life situation.

Food | Gift | Relationship

POST COMMENT

Is There Anything At All That I Can Do Or Try If He Wants A Divorce But I Don't? Here's Some Strategies To Try The Best Iowa Divorce Records Getting Divorced Needs Experts To Divide The Matrimonial Pie Divorce Is Seldom The Right Answer! Would I Regret It If I Divorced My Husband? Here's Some Considerations To Help You Decide My Divorce Journal - Vicious Cycle Divorce Issues Best Divorce Records Of Missouri Preparing For Divorce - Take The Test Divorce Settlement Tip - Work backwards from need What is the best MO Divorce Records Today My Husband Wants A Divorce Are you and Your Partner Heading For Divorce?