If you have not experienced divorce in your life, you might not understand how emotionally and physically stressful it is, or that you will most likely experience grief.

Divorce has been emotionally equated to the level one goes through when a loved one passes away. Because of this, divorce grief is common.

Many of our clients have not ever been told that they can experience grief at some point in the divorce process.

Our mental health professionals often share with our clients what grief will look like using the five stages of grief. Here are the commonly felt emotions of divorce grief:

• Denial that your divorce is happening
• Anger at your spouse for not addressing your marital issues
• Bargaining with your doubts, fears and insecurities that the divorce process brings
• Depression for what could have been, the hurt and pain that occurred, and feeling as if you will not be able to move forward after the divorce has been finalized
• Acceptance that your divorce happened, the realization of why and that you are now ready to move forward to find a place of peace

There is no doubt that if divorce grief is not dealt with in a healthy manner, it can last for a lifetime with no reprieve or hope of healing. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

When you choose the collaborative divorce process, mental health and child specialists are available to help your family teach everyone how to process your emotions in a healthy way that fosters healing.

At Collaborative Divorce Professionals, our goal is to help you learn about the Collaborative options available to you in your divorce and paternity matters and familiarize yourself with the benefits of Collaborative law over litigation and how it can benefit you and your spouse or your minor or adult children.

Contact us today to learn more about collaborative divorce, collaborative family law, and the collaborative process.

Note: This information is general in nature and should not be construed as legal/financial/tax/or mental health advice. You should work with your attorney, financial, mental health or tax professional to determine what will work best for your situation.