The Five Stages of Divorce: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance
A divorce is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face – it can be very stressful and especially challenging when emotions run high. Knowing the five stages of divorce — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance — can help you navigate this difficult life transition. Remembering these tips can help you cope with each stage while also ensuring that any legal agreements are handled properly with assistance from professionals where necessary so that everyone involved feels supported throughout the process.
Denial
In the denial stage of divorce, couples may feel overwhelmed or have difficulty accepting that the relationship is ending. It’s important to stay grounded in reality during this time and focus on your needs. Find support from friends, family members, or professional counseling to work through your feelings in a safe space.
Anger
During the anger stage of a divorce, people tend to feel angry at their partner as well as themselves for allowing things to reach this point. This can manifest in many ways, such as lashing out verbally or physically towards each other, engaging in destructive behavior like drinking too much, or getting into reckless situations. It’s important to remember that these feelings are normal and to seek help from those around you who can provide emotional support if needed.
Bargaining
During the bargaining stage of divorce, couples may attempt to negotiate an agreement about how they will divide their assets or devise an arrangement for child custody if applicable. If possible, it’s best to enlist the assistance of a neutral third party, such as a lawyer or mediator, to ensure that both parties get a fair outcome from these negotiations.
Depression
The depression stage is often characterized by sadness and hopelessness as people come to terms with the fact that things will never be the same again after their divorce is finalized. It’s important not to isolate yourself during this period but instead reach out for support from family members, friends, or even professional counseling if needed. Additionally, make sure that you are taking care of your physical health by eating well, getting plenty of rest, and exercising during this time.
Acceptance
In this final stage of divorce, couples can move forward with their lives knowing that they have done everything they could do within reason to make sure that their break-up was handled fairly and amicably between them both. At this point, it’s important not to dwell on what could have been but instead focus on making positive changes in your life so that you can move forward feeling empowered rather than defeated by your circumstances.
Contact Our Office Today For a Consultation With Our Expert NJ Divorce Lawyer!
When going through a divorce, you need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney on your side to guide you through the process. Attorney Blake W. Rush at the Law Office of Blake W. Rush has more than 17 years of experience representing spouses in both amicable and contested divorces throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania and has been board-certified as a Matrimonial Law Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Give our firm a call at (903) 713-9800 or visit our website to contact us and learn more about how we can help you.