What are the Emotional Stages of a Florida Divorce?
Dissolving a marriage is a legal process, but the fact that it is also an emotional one cannot be overlooked. When people get married, they believe they will love and care for each other for the rest of their lives. No one expects it to end in stress, pain, and other complex emotions. Although everyone’s situation is different, people going through a divorce will go through the five stages of grief. Below, our Tampa divorce attorney explains what these are.
Denial of the Divorce
Often, one or both spouses realize at some point that there is something very wrong with their marriage. It is easy for spouses to convince themselves that the issues are only temporary, or that the problems really are not that bad. Sometimes, people may even put on a brave face with friends and family members in order to pretend everything is okay. These are all signs of denial and while no one can determine how long this stage of grief will last, it is a very natural part of realizing a marriage is ending.
Anger About Getting a Divorce
As people start emerging from denial and they really understand what is happening, they may start to feel angry. This anger is typically directed at a person’s spouse, although people may feel angry towards themselves as well. It is natural to feel other emotions during this stage such as disappointment and betrayal, but the feeling of anger usually overrides them all. The couple may even start blaming each other, which can make the overall situation even more destructive.
Bargaining to Prevent Divorce
During the bargaining stage, one or both spouses may try to figure out what went wrong so they can save the relationship. One spouse may make promises, offer to change certain things about themselves, or agree to certain requests. For some couples, this stage is very helpful, as it can help resolve certain issues. For others, though, this stage is when they really begin to consider life without each other.
Depression Over the Divorce
During the depression phase, each spouse comes to terms with the fact that their marriage is over. The weight of anger, denial, and bargaining can quickly take a mental and emotional strain. The depression phase often lasts longer than the others and feelings of hopelessness and pessimism persist.
Acceptance of the Divorce
The final stage of divorce is acceptance. During this phase, both spouses accept that the marriage is over and they begin to move on with their lives. This phase can bring a sense of relief, although it does not necessarily mean the grieving process is over. Some people still feel remnants of depression but have resolved to move forward in their life as best they can.
Our Divorce Attorney in Tampa Can Make the Process Easier
At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa divorce attorney can make the process easier by handling the legal aspects of your case and providing the sound advice you need during this difficult time. Call us now at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Se habla Español.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html
