I'm Separated From My Husband Now What?

You've been through a lot recently. You're feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, and you're not quite sure where to turn. The good news is that you're not alone. Many people have gone through what you're experiencing right now, and there is help available.

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the common questions and concerns that people have after separating from their spouses. We'll also provide some practical tips for navigating this difficult time. Hopefully, by the end of this post, you'll feel a little more prepared to take on whatever comes next.

What Are My Rights After Separation?

The first thing you need to do after separating from your spouse is to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state. Every state has different laws regarding divorce, so it's important to learn about the specific requirements in your area. Once you know your state's laws, you can begin to understand what your rights are during this process.

For example, in some states, the separation period is mandatory before divorce proceedings can begin. This means that you and your spouse will need to live apart for a certain period of time before you can file for divorce. Other states don't have a separation requirement, which means you can begin the divorce process as soon as you decide to separate. Georgia for example defines separation as the last time you engaged in relations (aka had marital relations) with your spouse even if you are living together.

It's also important to understand how your state handles property division during divorce. In some states, assets are divided equally between spouses while in others, assets are divided based on each spouse's financial contribution to the marriage. Knowing how your state handles these issues will help you understand what to expect during the divorce process.

Finally, you should also be aware of your state's laws regarding child custody and visitation. If you have children, it's crucial that you understand how custody will be decided and what your rights are in terms of visitation. Familiarizing yourself with these issues will help ensure that you're able to protect your interests during the divorce process.

What Are the Next Steps?

Once you've familiarized yourself with the laws in your state, it's time to start thinking about the next steps in your life. If you have children, their well-being should be your top priority. Make sure they have a support system in place and that they are taken care of emotionally and financially. It's also important to create a parenting plan that outlines how each parent will be involved in their child's life going forward.

If possible, it's also a good idea to try to maintain a cordial relationship with your ex-spouse. This can be difficult, but it will be much easier on everyone if you're able to communicate openly and respectfully with each other. After all, you'll likely need to interact with each other on a regular basis if you have children together.

Creating a healthy co-parenting relationship will benefit everyone involved—especially your children.

Finally, take some time for yourself during this process. This is undoubtedly a difficult time in your life, so make sure to give yourself some grace. Lean on your friends and family members for support when needed, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if necessary. Now is also a good time to focus on taking care of yourself physically and emotionally. Consider joining a gym or taking up a new hobby as a way to distract yourself from the stress of the divorce process and promote self-care.

Going through a divorce is undoubtedly one of the most difficult times in someone's life. There are so many unknowns and so much uncertainty about what the future holds. But by educating yourself about the process, leaning on your support system, and taking care of yourself, you can get through this. Remember, this is just one chapter in your story. The best is yet to come.