Getting a divorce is an emotional experience. On some level, it’s almost guaranteed to impact every area of your life. Even when couples mutually agree to get divorced, many people still experience some degree of grief, anger, fear, guilt, or uncertainty. For those going through the process in Kentucky, the emotional impact of divorce can feel just as overwhelming as the legal process itself. A Kentucky divorce lawyer at Stange Law Firm, PC, can help you in this process.
Why Divorce Can Be Emotionally Challenging
A divorce represents the end of a partnership that once held a lot of promise. In Kentucky, a divorce can also be perceived as a failed relationship, sometimes a deep disappointment. For many, a marriage is inextricably linked with their sense of identity, especially in communities with strong family values and ties.
So when people get divorced, they’re not only losing a romantic partner, but also can lose regular routines, finances, parenting time, and social circles. Some of the more common emotional issues associated with divorce include:
- Sadness or grief over the loss of a marriage
- Anxiety about finances
- Uncertainty about the future
- Anger or resentment toward a spouse
- Fear of not having enough time with children
- Guilt or shame, especially in tight-knit communities
These and other emotional issues can cloud good judgment and make it difficult to approach divorce proceedings thoughtfully and with good decision-making. In Kentucky, the marriage rate is 6.1 per 1,000 with a divorce rate of 2.9 per 1,000.
The Stress of Handling It Alone
Kentucky has a court system for family-related legal issues, such as divorces and child custody, called the family court system. The most well-known family court in the state is Jefferson Family Court, located at the Hall of Justice in Louisville, but every county in the state has similar family law courts.
Divorce is a legal process, which means that it has various deadlines, procedural rules, and other requirements. This is true even when a couple simply files the paperwork to get an uncontested divorce, without ongoing legal disputes. A divorce will also include various complex decisions, such as dividing marital property, deciding on spousal support and maintenance, and child custody and support.
When a spouse must try to read, write, and interpret the family court rules, negotiate, and advocate for themselves, it can feel especially impersonal. This can be a significant emotional hurdle, especially for those people who are struggling with difficult feelings.
How Emotions Can Affect a Divorce
Someone who tries to rush through the process may overlook important factors or otherwise make legal mistakes, leading to significant issues in the future. A person who is overly aggressive with a former spouse may get an immediate sense of satisfaction, but may come to regret some of those decisions later on, especially when it comes to issues such as:
- Parenting time and custody schedules
- Division of marital property
- Spousal maintenance or support
- Communication between co-parents
Kentucky family courts try to remain fair and neutral, with children’s best interests at the forefront. This means that decisions regarding finances and children may be impacted by arguments or behavior that is primarily emotionally driven.
While attorneys are not therapists, having a stable source of legal assistance during a divorce can provide a welcome sense of stability and support. An experienced family law attorney acts as an advocate for the client while also guiding and advising them through the process.
Reducing Conflict Through Legal Assistance
In many cases, divorce cases do not need to be aggressive, contentious litigation. In fact, Kentucky has various alternative dispute resolution options for some divorces and family law cases, which a family law attorney can help you explore.
A lawyer can help you decide whether it’s appropriate to work cooperatively or if the situation requires a more active court intervention. Navigating negotiations and calmly advocating for your rights can help to reduce conflict, which is emotionally and financially beneficial to both parties.
About Stange Law Firm, PC
At Stange Law Firm, we recognize that a divorce does not just impact legal rights, but also emotional ones. Since 2007, our firm has focused only on divorce and family law, and we’ve helped numerous clients through the legal and emotional aspects of major life transitions.
Stange Law Firm, PC, has helped clients in Kentucky and several other states. No matter where in Kentucky your case may be heard, you will find knowledgeable attorneys who provide dedicated legal representation.
FAQs
Q: How Can Emotions Affect Divorce Outcomes?
A: When faced with a strong emotional reaction, people may be inclined to make split-second or reflexive decisions. In the middle of a divorce, some people are so eager to get the process over with that they agree to unfavorable terms. Others continue to fight over every issue out of anger and hurt. In Kentucky family courts, emotional decision-making can have consequences for the outcome of one’s custody, property division, and long-term co-parenting situation.
Q: Can a Lawyer Help With the Emotional Side of Divorce?
A: Although a lawyer is not a counselor, legal counsel can help with the emotional aspects of a situation by bringing some organization and reason to the chaos and uncertainty you are experiencing. Your attorney can manage the legal process, talk to the other side, and explain your options. With this support, you can work on healing and making informed decisions rather than feeling at the mercy of opposing parties.
Q: Can Legal Assistance Help Reduce Conflict During a Divorce?
A: Yes. A lawyer can serve as a buffer between the two of you by handling communications and negotiations in a professional manner. This can help to avoid emotional confrontations and misunderstandings. In some Kentucky cases, legal advice can also facilitate alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation, which can help to resolve matters peacefully.
Q: When Should I Seek Legal Assistance in a Divorce?
A: The earlier you seek legal assistance, the better. Getting advice early on can help you understand your rights and avoid common pitfalls and unrealistic expectations from the start. Even if you are not sure how contested your divorce will be, talking to an attorney can give you peace of mind and emotional grounding during an otherwise uncertain time.
Contact Stange Law Firm, PC, Today
If you are going through a divorce, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Stange Law Firm, we understand how emotional a divorce can be. We can help you with the legal side of things so you can focus on your life. Contact us today for a consultation.