Post-divorce New Year’s resolutions

The new year is drawing closer every day. If you think you and your spouse are going to get divorced, you may already be trying to plan for your future.

The following resolutions can help.

1. Practice money management

Finances can get tricky after a divorce. If you both worked, you need to learn to live on one income. You have a new living situation. You may owe or receive spousal support or child support. Learn to budget and pay close attention to your funds.

2. Focus on yourself

What do you love? Are there new hobbies you want to try out? Are there places you’ve always wanted to travel? Don’t focus on the end of the relationship, but on what you can be in the future.

3. Consider new relationships carefully

Specifically, many experts note that some people get out of a divorce and are afraid they’ll never find someone again. They’ll go on dates and jump into new relationships not because they want to, but because of that fear. Be careful and make sure new relationships are really healthy.

4. Write it all down

Start a journal. Write down how you feel, what you did during the day, and anything else of note. It helps you slow down and think objectively. This can help you find solutions and transition into this next stage in your life.

Obviously, you may also have plenty of resolutions that are specific to your situation, as no two cases are the same, but these give you a good place to start. While planning your post-divorce life, be sure you carefully consider all of your legal rights.

Source: Huffington Post, “10 New Year’s Resolutions to Make After Divorce,” Lindsey Ellison, accessed Dec. 21, 2017