Smart Way #1: Stay in your children’s lives. Just because you and your spouse are separating, that does not mean that you cease to be a father. Keep regular visitations, preferably overnights, with your children; and, by all means, do not stop attending events in which your children participate.
Smart Way #2: Talk to a licensed professional regularly. The death of a marriage is still a death. Do not compromise your emotional and mental health in this process. You need someone objective to help you through a situation which by nature breeds instability.
Smart Way #3: Keep a journal. Write down everything that goes on during the divorce which affects you. What you write can be helpful to your case and will refresh your recollection as to earlier events.
Smart Way #4: Do not nitpick. Fighting over furniture, pots and pans, and dishware is truly ridiculous and petty. Unless you are strapped financially, I would recommend foregoing these things because they are remnants of your past life. Out with the old. In with the new.
Smart Way #5: Keep your friends close but do not overburden them. Your friends can be a great resource for comfort and support, but make sure you understand that friendship is a two way street. Do not dump your problems on friends or you may find yourself isolated without knowing why.
Smart Way #6: Stay away from life altering changes. Divorce is enough of a life altering change as it is. Get through this process first before making huge decisions such as starting a new career or a new lifestyle.
Smart Way #7: Try to resolve the most painless issues with your spouse. Divorce, apart from the emotional issues, is a process of issue resolution. The more issues resolved, the less that needs to be dealt with in the end. Settlement is always the most preferred and least expensive option.
Smart Way #8: Don’t try to ruin your former wife. You are not on a mission to ruin your estranged wife. If you are, you will be constantly disappointed and you will never be able to get on with your life. How you deal with the fact of divorce — namely the cards that are dealt you — will determine the quality of your life and your emotional well being for years to come.
Smart Way #9: Imagine the process is complete. Envision where you want your life to be when this awful chapter is behind you. Take steps to make your vision a reality.
You’re Invited to Call or Email!
“If you’d like to speak with me – or if you have any questions or concerns about family law –
you’re invited to call or send me an email. I’ll be happy to help you in every way!” – Michael
Michael Villasana
Founding & Managing Attorney
The Villasana Law Firm
Houston (281) 206-2676 – Texas Toll Free (888) 391-1115