The longer you live the more life has a way of taking the wind out of our sails. So after years of being with someone, you suddenly find yourself alone. Why? You’re going through a major life transition, divorce or death. Of course when this happens, it’s overwhelming to say the least. You are still trying to figure out what you need to do first hoping you are strong enough to get through this phase of your life. Because this is such an emotional period, I wanted to offer a couple of ideas on how to handle what you are facing.
- Take time to digest what is happening. You may need to retreat from everyone so you can figure out what you need to do first. This time can help you process your thoughts and think about the friends and team of professionals (attorney, CPA, and financial planner) you need to have in place to help guide you through this shift in lifestyle.
- You should contact and interview attorneys, divorce or estate planning, a CPA and a financial planner. Develop a list of questions you would like to ask so you are comparing apples to apples. Then you can properly evaluate the responses to see who you like best. After hiring your team, allow them to advise and guide you through the process.
- Allow your girlfriends to stand by and help support you. We all need a shoulder to lean on so allow them to give up theirs.
- Consider hiring a company to help you deal with sorting through the accumulation of things you have from your time with your spouse. The company can help you decipher and organize the items you plan to keep and determine what things you should let go. Wini Alexander shared with me how she helps women facing this daunting challenge. She went through a devastating divorce years ago and was left having to downsize and sort through all of their items alone. This situation birthed her company, Red Cardinal Consulting. To learn more about what she does and how she may be able to help you, listen to our conversation.
There are so many things to consider I just named a few, so here are some additional resources for you.
- Most women have fears surrounding life after a divorce. I found this article in the Chicago Tribune; I feel it may be helpful.
- Leading up to and after the funeral, you are dealing with the paperwork and financial aspects of your life together alone. For some, this may be the first time in your life you have handled the finances of the family. So here is a probate checklist if there is only a will in place and one for those with a revocable trust.
I believe this will help as you march into a new life and walk into new territories.
