Stage one of leaving begins when one or both partners become more detached, less engaged, or connected. This lack of connection may begin years before the legal divorce, but often one partner is already beginning to create emotional distance. Eventually, the situation can become so frustrating that at least one spouse takes action; either by saying the relationship is over, by “acting out” and having affairs.
The Road to Resilience” by The American Psychological Association (APA).
Whether going through a divorce, loss of a job, serious illness, or other difficult times, how we respond to these experiences can enable us to more effectively manage these situations.
What enables people to deal with hardship? It involves resilience, an ongoing process that requires time and effort and engages people in taking a number of steps. Resilience is "bouncing back" from difficult experiences. The following steps can help people build resilience.
By Richard A. Shulman, Ph.D.
Divorce is a very stressful event in your life and only you have the power to decide its impact on your future. The following are 10 ways in which you can make divorce easier:
The first conversation with your spouse about divorce is one of the most important conversations anyone can have, yet most people handle it badly, impelled by powerful, unexamined negative emotions. You cannot dictate how your spouse will behave, but you can choose to behave in ways that are more likely to elicit a calm, considered response from your spouse.
Before talking with your spouse, prepare yourself by reflecting on how he or she will likely to react. Things to consider:
A second stage while planning to separate is the financial one, in which partners list and then divide their joint property and settle their debts before reaching a final agreement. The best thing to do is to work together to gather and record all your financial information. Such gathering with save time and money once you begin the process of divorce.
Tally the worth of your assets. Notice overall what is owned by you alone, what is jointly held by the two of you, and what is solely owned by your spouse. It is also a good idea to assess your credit card debt as well.