I received an email from a client earlier this week with the subject line “New Year, Same Divorce.” This made me pause and think about how many clients probably feel the same way as he does. While the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is a joyous time for many people, it is a sad, lonely and stressful time for others. For many, it is a time when they push the pause button on their divorce and custody matters and they are just trying to “get through the holidays”. However, the start of a new year is often a hopeful time, thinking that a turn of the calendar might lead to a fresh start. In order to make 2020 a positive one for my clients, here are a few things I encourage my clients to do:
- Take an active role in your divorce or custody matter. Schedule a meeting with your attorney and figure out what the next steps are to move the case forward. Set deadlines for yourself with follow up calls or meetings as needed. The more you assist with the process, the more likely you can keep costs down and move things quicker towards a resolution.
- Find time to connect with friends. The divorce process can sometimes be isolating and the busy holiday season often takes us away from routines. As the new year begins, make time to reconnect with friends – even just for a quick cup of coffee.
- Focus on your children. Kids often have a hard time transitioning back to their routines after the holidays. While the time away from school is lots of fun, it’s also important for children readjust to school and schedules. As parents, we can settle them back into their routine by making sure they are well rested and ready for each day. If there is a custody schedule in place, remind them that they are resuming that schedule and speak positively about the time they get to spend with you and with their other parent.
Hopefully, the new year will bring resolution to many of my client’s cases. It is my hope that by doing so, they will be able to say “New Year, New Outlook” as they take the next trip around the sun.
