Navigating a Long Island, NY divorce can be complicated with multiple issues that need your attention, seemingly at the same time. How do you decide which ones are the most important to address first? What are you willing to compromise and what hills are you willing to die on, so to speak?

Making sure your decisions are informed is critical — you often can’t go back and change things and these issues will affect you as you attempt to rebuild your life. Here are some helpful tips on how you can prioritize the most important matters in your divorce and how an experienced divorce lawyer and family law attorney can help.

Look At What Your Children Need

If you have children, consider what they need and the ability of you and your spouse to provide it. Reflecting on your own ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment for your kids can be tough, but the choices you make during the dissolution of your marriage will impact them for the rest of their lives.

Ideally, you’ll be able to communicate openly with your spouse about what’s in their best interest, but if you can’t come to a complete agreement, divorce mediation may be an option that can help if you are still on speaking terms with your spouse. It’s generally agreed that it’s important for children to maintain a meaningful, quality relationship with both their parents after the divorce. Reaching compromises that work for your children is generally less stressful on them than battling it out in court, and

Don’t Forget to Think About Your Needs

When you’re smack in the middle of the emotional turmoil of divorce, it can be hard to remember that your well-being matters just as much as your children’s. And if you don’t have kids, this is a good place to start.

It’s common for people to think that taking care of their own needs during a divorce is selfish, but it’s not — it’s self preservation. Neglecting things like your physical and mental health can make it more difficult to work through the challenges that divorce presents, which usually comes at a cost later on.

You may want to explore therapy or counseling to help you process the grief and emotional challenges that naturally come with getting a divorce. Here are some other things you can do:

• Invest in your physical wellness. Eat fresh, nutrient-dense foods and listen to your body when it comes to movement and exercise.
• Sign up for creative classes. Pottery, art, and other creative outlets can help you process your emotions and express them in healthy ways.
• Read self-help materials you actually enjoy. Take this time to strengthen your weaknesses and learn what you can improve in your relationships going forward.
• Avoid the post-divorce “party” scene. It’s common for divorcees to hit the bars or become a bit of a club rat after their divorce to numb the pain, but getting caught up in this lifestyle can create new problems, especially if you have kids.

Consider Future Needs Too

Avoid making the mistake of failing to plan for the future when making decisions about your divorce now. Even though your immediate concerns might feel overwhelming, it’s important to keep the long-term outcomes of your choices in mind. This perspective can prevent future numerous hardships later on.

For example, when you’re making a demand for alimony or spousal support, think about where you’re likely to be financially in two, three, or even five years from now. Consider how realistic it is for you to get a new job or if you’ll need more education first, so you can set the groundwork for a smoother transition into the next chapter of your life.

Ask a Qualified Long Island, NY Divorce Attorney What Your Options Are

Before you make anything final, it’s in your best interests to check with a qualified Long Island, NY divorce lawyer about your options. There may be things on the table you don’t know about or things that you think are possible but actually aren’t. An experienced attorney can provide tailored advice based on your unique circumstances, so you can approach the divorce process with clarity and confidence.

Contact Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C. to Help You Determine Which Issues Are the Most Important in Your Long Island, NY Divorce   

At Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C., our attorneys understand how overwhelming the process of divorce can be, especially if you’re looking at everything from a bird’s eye view. We can help you better understand your legal options and how different choices could affect your future, allowing you to navigate your divorce with knowledge and power.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can prioritize the important matters in your divorce or to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our divorce attorneys by dialing 631-923-1910. We look forward to answering your call. Or, fill in the short form on this page and we’ll get back to you to discuss your case as soon as possible.