Navigate Grief Through Divorce Mediation
Posted on January 07,2019 in Divorce
Psychological experts agree grief is the emotion most frequently experienced during a divorce, although it is sometimes disguised among its multiple stages. Even the fortunate couples who have an amicable divorce feel grief. Separation often feels like a loss, whether it is losing the relationship, the dream of “happily ever after” they hoped for on their wedding day or even the marital assets accumulated during the marriage.
The various stages of grief can have a significant impact on the divorce process, no matter which route a couple chooses. However, through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and mediation, intense emotions are both expected and resolved, which allows all parties the opportunity to find peace in a difficult situation.
Here we will discuss how the numerous grief stages can influence your divorce and how to overcome the turmoil.
What are the Stages of Grief?
If you feel angry all the time during your divorce, you are likely experiencing one of the easily identifiable grief stages. Are you mad at your ex-spouse? Their new significant other? Your attorney? Take a deep breath and understand anger is part of the overall healing process. On the opposite end of the spectrum, perhaps you are avoiding the divorce discussion altogether or behaving as though everything is normal and nothing changed. You may be experiencing denial.
In order, the five grief stages are:
- Denial;
- Anger;
- Bargaining;
- Depression; and
- Acceptance.
Grief and the Divorce Mediation Process
Grief is complicated, not only because there are varying stages, but also because the resulting behaviors fluctuate between rational and irrational. Ex-spouses, children, and involved family members can behave out-of-character and make poor decisions, all of which are entirely normal. Identification of the root cause can help everyone become more understanding and accepting. An experienced mediation attorney can identify the behavioral cues and also guide the conversation toward rational thought if necessary.
Contact a DuPage County Divorce Attorney
An experienced Wheaton, IL divorce mediator understands how grief plays a pivotal role in divorce negotiations. Not everyone grieves at the same time or in the same manner, which can make effective communication difficult. The attorneys at Andrew Cores Family Law Group effectively assist during discussions and can discreetly locate resources for further mental health relief, should it become needed. For more than a decade, we have helped families find the answers they need while creating divorce agreements that deliver long-term results. Find out how we can serve your family today by calling our office at 630-871-1002 to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
https://grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/
