Are you going through a grey divorce and wondering where to get support? Support comes in all shapes and sizes – from legal support to emotional support and everything in between.
Here are some tips on where to get support after grey divorce from Ian Shann, a family mediation specialist in Perth.
The first issue you need to deal with is the divorce process itself, so getting advice from a trusted family lawyer or family mediator as soon as possible will help you to understand the legal process and prepare you for what lies ahead. Knowing your legal rights and obligations and knowing that you have someone to help you navigate the process will significantly reduce the stress and anxiety.
All divorces come with their own set of circumstances; therefore, an experienced family lawyer or mediator will help determine the most appropriate approach and what you can expect to get out of your divorce.
They can also put you in contact with other professionals or organisations to provide whatever other support you may require.
Reviewing one’s estate planning after a divorce is an absolute necessity and the advice of an estate planning lawyer should be sought as soon as possible following your decision to separate.
Most married couples list their spouses as beneficiaries in their wills and superannuation and, in the event of you passing before the divorce is finalised, your spouse can still end up inheriting your estate.
In many grey divorces, finances can take a turn for the worse for both spouses and a financial planner may be required to assist.
They can help you carry out a comprehensive financial audit and evaluate your assets and liabilities, an essential component in determining the division of property. They can advise on separating joint accounts and investments, checking your tax affairs and even help to design a new budget for you going forward.
All of this can help to lessen the burden on your part and give you a good indication of what financial life as single person may look like.
Divorce is a significant and traumatic event for most people. But, for people close to or already in retirement after a long marriage, divorce might leave you totally overwhelmed.
If you’re battling to come to terms with your situation, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice from an experienced counsellor. There are many therapists that are specialised in this field of work.
Ask friends and family for recommendations too – personal recommendations when it comes to sensitive services like counselling can be most helpful in building trust with your counsellor.
There is nothing like family and good friends to offer the moral and emotional support that is equally important.
Stay close to the people that are important in your life and love and care for you the most. You’re blessed by just having them. Make an effort to see them and don’t close yourself off from those who love and want to help you.
Joining a support group. Being around like-minded people – who, perhaps, might be experiencing the same emotions as you, can be a most therapeutic.
Remember that you’re not alone in what you’re going through – there are plenty of others out there who are, or have been, in the same boat.
There are also tons of books and articles on the web available on this subject for you to read. Find them in your nearest library, bookshop or online. I’ve also written a list of the best books about divorce which you can check out on my website.