There are not many events in your life that can be as devastating and emotionally troubling as a divorce, especially if you are the one who is served the papers. You may be feeling blindsided, betrayed, confused, and angry. These are all understandable reactions to have when your spouse is filing for divorce. Once it happens, it is vital that you keep many different things in mind. An Indianapolis, IN divorce lawyer can help you figure out the next steps.

Divorce in Indiana

Regardless of your situation, a divorce is rarely a pleasant experience. Nobody enters into a marriage expecting to get divorced. It can feel defeating to accept that your marriage has ended, and nobody likes to lose.

It’s inevitable to feel a profound sense of loss, as you are essentially grieving the death of your relationship. You’re going to second-guess your decisions. You’re going to feel like you could’ve done more. When this happens, you need to take steps to protect yourself.

Your divorce is going to impact not just you but your entire social circle and family, especially if you and your spouse share the same friends. A divorce is not just a signature on a piece of paper. It’s the systemic disentanglement of two lives forever. Depending on how long your marriage lasted, your lives may be further entangled than you thought. You may need to separate finances, organize a child custody arrangement, and determine support.

Indiana has a higher divorce rate compared to most states. According to information gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau, the divorce rate in Indiana was around 8.4 per 1,000 married people in 2021. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a harsh divorce and need assistance, you may want to reach out to a local Indianapolis divorce support group, such as DivorceCare. It can benefit you to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through.

Important Tips for Your Divorce

When you find yourself having to spearhead a divorce, you may be so concerned with solving the larger issues that you inadvertently ignore the smaller details. There are so many different things you should prioritize during a divorce that things may fall through the cracks along the way. It’s vital to your continued mental and emotional health that you take care of yourself, and care can take many different forms. Here are some important tips:

  • Prioritize Support: Getting divorced can be traumatic, especially if the divorce is contested. Seeking help is not a weakness. You should surround yourself with people who care about you. Friends, family, work colleagues, and even neighbors can be a reliable source of comfort as you try to figure out your next move.
  • Establish Boundaries: It is very important that you establish clear boundaries with your former spouse and enforce them when necessary. Divorce is all about moving on and taking back control of your own life. You can’t do that if your ex keeps trying to be a part of your life. You need to protect your own emotional well-being. A cordial relationship with your ex may be possible one day, but right now, you should consider boundaries.
  • Long-Term Goals: A divorce is not the end of your life. It’s the beginning of a new phase. You should consider establishing long-term goals. Having something to work towards can often be enough to take your mind off everything. Start saving for a vacation, a new house, a car, or something else just for you or your kids. Try not to dwell on the past. Start focusing on the future.

FAQs

Q: Is a Divorce Always the Right Decision to Make?

A: There’s no easy way to answer that. Everybody’s needs in life are different, as are everybody’s needs for their relationship. Sometimes, a divorce is the only option to prioritize your own mental health. If all trust is gone and you feel more like a glorified roommate than a partner, you may want to seriously consider divorce. However, if you and your partner are able to talk things through and strengthen your marriage, that can be beneficial too.

Q: Who Decides Child Custody in Indiana?

A: In Indiana, child custody is ultimately determined by the courts. If you and your spouse are able to work together to build a mutually beneficial custody arrangement and parenting plan, the court will most likely consider your contribution. However, the court must ultimately consider the well-being of the child above all else. Their decision will be based almost entirely on what’s right for the child, with your needs being secondary.

Q: What Is Equitable Distribution?

A: Equitable distribution is the way that marital assets are distributed in an Indiana divorce. Essentially, it means dividing assets in a way that is fair to both spouses. However, fairness and equality may not always mean the same thing. The court will consider the total length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial needs, who has primary custody of any children, and the circumstances that led to the divorce.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for My Divorce?

A: While you technically do not need to hire a lawyer for your divorce, it is highly recommended that you do. If you want to represent yourself, feel free to do so. Just keep in mind that your spouse will likely be hiring a lawyer to represent them, and the last thing you want is to go up against a seasoned divorce lawyer without any legal experience. Having the right lawyer can change everything for you.

Reach Out to an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Today

When you get divorced, it is vital that you take the right steps to protect your own emotional health and prioritize your own future. You may forget to take care of yourself while you’re taking care of everything else. A good lawyer can help you remember to keep yourself in mind throughout your divorce and after.

The legal team at Stange Law Firm can provide you with everything you need to succeed in your divorce. Contact us to speak to a valued team member today.