What to Wear to Divorce Court: Dress for Success

Posted on by Robert J. Reeves

When preparing for divorce court there is so much to do. You’ll have meetings with your attorney and have tons of legal paperwork to prep. But sometimes people forget to prepare what they’re going to wear to divorce court. First impressions are important, and some judges are more conservative than others. It’s best to play it safe and dress as if you were going for a job interview. Here are some tips to help you look prepared!

What to Wear to Divorce Court: First Impressions Matter

Clothing for Men

When deciding what to wear to divorce court, business attire is best. Wear long slacks with a belt and shoes with matching socks. Also, a collared shirt with a tie should be work. You can choose to wear a jacket or not. However, it’s always a good idea to have one in case the courtroom is cold. Shorts are never allowed, and you should not wear jeans. Ditch the hat as well, and make sure that your clothes fit well and are not too baggy.

Clothing for Women

Business attire is also what women should wear to divorce court. A business suit isn’t necessary, but you should wear dress slacks or a skirt. Make sure a skirt goes to your knees or longer. A nice blouse or even a conservative dress would work well. Make sure that nothing is too low-cut or revealing. Also, make sure that your clothes fit well and are not too tight. Leave the flashy sequins at home and opt for a more neutral outfit. You could be in divorce court for a long time, so bringing a sweater or light jacket is a good idea. You don’t necessarily need to wear heels, but stay away from tennis shoes or flip flops.

Accessories

The main goal in choosing what to wear to divorce court is to keep things neutral and non-attention grabbing. Try not to wear flashy accessories. If you have a lot of piercings, it might be best to remove some while you go to court. Cover up tattoos as well. Men and women should have clean, neat hair in a polished and neutral style. Also, now is possibly not the best time for very long acrylic nails or blue hair. Finally, keep makeup subtle and unobtrusive. The more conservative you can look, the better.

Having your own sense of style is great! Flashy accessories and dyed hair might be how you express yourself. That’s perfectly fine, but in divorce court, you might be more successful if you tone down your natural flair. Everything you wear to divorce court should be modest and polished. You want to look clean, neat, and dependable. Although you may want to show off your flashy side, you’ll probably benefit in the long run by playing by the court’s rules.

Benefits of Dating a Divorcee

Posted on by Robert J. Reeves

Some people overlook divorcees in the dating pool. However, there are many benefits of dating a divorcee. Aside from their life experience, they know what they want in a partner. In addition, they will be unlikely to rush things in a relationship. They hopefully will be quick to recognize issues within a relationship as well. Finally, they have proved that they are committed and hopefully have learned from their first relationship. Try not to count out divorcees as potential partners.

Benefits of Dating a Divorcee: Let Their Experience Work in Your Favor

They Know What They Need in a Partner

One of the major benefits of dating a divorcee is that they have learned what they need in a partner. They know what works in a relationship and what kills a relationship. Divorcees will therefore be honest about their needs and quick to see issues. They have probably also learned their strengths and weaknesses as a partner. As a result, they will be more willing to work on their shortcomings.

They Won’t Rush Into Things

Divorcees are more likely to take things slow in a relationship. One of the important benefits of dating a divorcee is that they will be more likely to make their next relationship work longtime. They will take time to make sure their next partner is a better fit. Because they know the stress of divorce, they won’t be likely to rush into another marriage. Therefore, if they do commit, it will probably be a marriage that lasts forever.

Quick to Recognize Issues

Another of the benefits of dating a divorcee is that they’ll be able to recognize problems brewing. They will be quick to see issues that could harm your relationship. They have seen first hand how some problems can ruin a marriage. Therefore, they know how certain issues can spiral out of control. Because of this, they’ll be quick to address those problems.

They’re Committed

Finally, knowing they are willing to commit is one of the main benefits of dating a divorcee. They have proven that they are willing to commit to a marriage. Even though their first marriage didn’t work out it doesn’t mean it was all their fault. There are many reasons why marriages fail. They’ve proven that they are not afraid of commitment. And hopefully, they’ve learned some valuable lessons from their first marriage.

Dating divorcees can be a great option for somebody looking for a mature partner. One of the many benefits of dating a divorcee is the fact that they are worldly. They have experienced the highs and lows of a relationship. Because of this, they’ll be likely to take that experience into their future relationships and make those even stronger.

Rebuilding Confidence After a Divorce

Posted on by Robert J. Reeves
Divorce can often leave people questioning their self-esteem. Rebuilding confidence after a divorce is important so that you can begin to get back to living your best life. You can also have more confidence to grow and begin this new chapter of your life on a positive note. Try to refocus on old hobbies or passions that make you feel happy. Reconnecting with old friends can also boost your confidence. Many people find positive affirmations to be extremely helpful with boosting self-confidence. And finally, reach out and get help from a therapist if you feel like it would be helpful. Divorce can shatter your self-confidence, but it’s important to gain it back so you can focus on the exciting adventures to come.

Rebuilding Confidence After a Divorce: Get Your Groove Back

Refocus on Old Hobbies

One way to rebuild confidence after a divorce is to re-focus on old hobbies or passions. Oftentimes, divorce can be extremely time-consuming and stressful. It’s hard to make time for hobbies. Now that your divorce is final, you can try to get back to hobbies you care about. If you’re a talented painter, make time to paint. Or try to find a new hobby like yoga or meditation. Finding things you’re passionate about can really boost your self-confidence as you hone new skills.

Reconnect with Old Friends

Another way to rebuild confidence after a divorce is to reconnect with old friends. You might have lost touch with people in the stress of the divorce process. If that’s the case, take the time now to reach out to them. For example, ask a friend to dinner or for a quick coffee. They can help you process your feelings about the divorce. It’s also confidence-boosting to be around people you care about and who respect you.

Positive Affirmations

Many people find positive affirmations to be very helpful in rebuilding confidence after a divorce. Affirmations are positive statements you say to yourself repeatedly in order to reprogram your brain to focus on positivity instead of negative self-talk. Many people find it helpful to write them where they’ll be seen frequently. For example, on the bathroom mirror so that they see them each morning as soon as they wake up. It could be something as simple as “I am worth loving.” Conversely, it could be something specific to yourself like “I will name three things I’m grateful for each morning as I brush my teeth.”

Get Help

Rebuilding confidence after a divorce can be difficult. Sometimes it’s hard to figure it out on your own. Try reaching out to a therapist or counselor. They’ll be able to help you with negative self-talk and self-doubt. They can often recommend ideas for boosting self-confidence. In addition, it can be very helpful just to have another person to vent your feelings to. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional for help. Divorce can be very damaging to your self-confidence. If you’ve realized that you now have lower self-esteem it’s important to rebuild confidence after a divorce. Re-focus on old hobbies or passions. Finding things that you’re good at can to boost your confidence. Next, re-connect with old friends with who you’ve lost touch. In addition, many people find positive affirmations to be helpful with self-confidence. And finally, get help from a professional. A therapist or counselor is a great resource to use if you’re struggling with low self-esteem. If you can build back your self-confidence after a divorce, you can move on to the next exciting stage of life.

Choosing a Marriage Counselor

Posted on by Robert J. Reeves
Choosing a marriage counselor can be an important factor in the success of your therapy journey. If you and your spouse are considering marriage counseling, talk about what you’d like to have in a therapist. Make sure that you have similar goals in mind for therapy and then start trying to find somebody that fits the bill. Interview several therapists to get an overall sense of their approach. Consider your budget and if your insurance might help pay for the therapy. You and your partner both need to agree with your therapist. Establish some goals with your counselor early and make sure that they are continuing to work towards them. And finally, trust your gut. If things don’t feel like they’re progressing, find somebody else. You and your partner need to agree on your counselor so that you both feel comfortable.

Choosing a Marriage Counselor: How to Pick the Best Fit

Interview Several

When choosing a marriage counselor, interview several before making your decision. You want to find a good fit for both you and your partner. Figure out what each therapists’ style is and see if it’s a match for your personality. You want to find somebody that you both feel very comfortable with and are open to sharing personal information with.

Consider Budget

Budget is always a consideration when choosing a marriage counselor. Therapy can be expensive, especially out of pocket. Talk to your insurance provider and see if any sort of therapy is covered by your insurance. You can also ask the therapist when you call whether they accept your insurance. If you need to pay out of pocket, make sure that that is something you and your spouse both agree on.

Establish Goals

When choosing a marriage counselor, it’s a good idea to establish your goals ahead of time. Decide if you are wanting therapy to stay together and strengthen your relationship. Or if you are looking for therapy to decide to separate. If you want your goal to be staying together, make sure that your counselor is in agreement with that goal and working towards it.

Trust Your Gut

Finally, trust your gut when choosing a marriage counselor. If something feels unprofessional or like it’s not a great fit, move on to somebody else. You should also never feel like your counselor is siding with either one of you. Nobody wants to feel ganged up on, so if it feels like your counselor is taking sides, then they aren’t being professional. Move on to a different therapist that is a better fit. Choosing a marriage counselor is a big decision when it comes to the overall health of your marriage. And marriage counseling doesn’t have to happen because you’re having troubles. It’s a great idea to see a therapist even when things are great. They can help you identify why things are going so well and give you ways to get back to that feeling when things get tougher. Interview several therapists and figure out who is going to be a good fit. Take your budget into consideration and check into your insurance. Establish goals ahead of time with your counselor and make sure they’re working towards them with you. And finally, trust your gut and find a new therapist if things don’t feel like a good fit. Both you and your partner need to feel good about your choice so that you can get the most out of your counseling sessions.

Do I Really Need a Divorce Lawyer?

Posted on by Robert J. Reeves
If you are wondering if you need a divorce lawyer, you aren’t alone. Divorces can be very expensive and it might be tempting to save the money you’d pay to an attorney for something else. However, an attorney can prevent you from making mistakes that could be incredibly costly. It’s really in your best interest to have representation, even if you believe your divorce will be amicable. There are many risks involved with going it alone in a settlement. Find a divorce lawyer early in the process so that they can prepare you for what to expect. And finally, when choosing a divorce lawyer, make sure they have plenty of experience with similar cases. While it is not legally mandated that you use a divorce attorney, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Do I Really Need a Divorce Lawyer? Weighing Your Options

The Short Answer

The short answer is that yes, in almost all cases, you need to hire a divorce lawyer. Even if you believe your divorce will be amicable, it still will be very complex. The divorce system is very hard to understand if you are not a divorce attorney yourself. It involves a lot of rules, paperwork, and forms. If any of those things are not done properly, you could wind up losing a lot of money. You could also end up losing assets, property, or risk having it affect your custody situation.

The Risks

There are many risks if you choose to not hire a divorce lawyer. If you own property and don’t have representation, you could wind up losing a lot of money or even be stuck paying for a home you don’t own. Having minor children also means you need representation, because you’ll need to decide how your co-parenting will look. Any errors in that and you could be dealing with a nightmare co-parenting situation for years. If you have retirement plans, assets, or are wanting to work out any spousal support you need to hire a divorce attorney.

When to Hire a Divorce Lawyer

Hire a divorce lawyer early on in the process. Many people find that the best advice is to hire representation before you even discuss divorce with your spouse. They can help you figure out what information you’ll need and prepare you in case your spouse retaliates negatively. They will also walk you through an overview of the process itself which can be very helpful.

How to Pick a Divorce Lawyer

It’s important to pick the right divorce lawyer for your case. Plan to interview several attorneys before making your decision. Don’t just use the recommendation of a friend unless you also feel like it’s a good fit. You want to make sure that your attorney has plenty of experience with cases similar to yours. You also need to make sure that they are within your budget.

Hiring a divorce lawyer is not legally necessary but it is the smartest move if you are going through a divorce. While it might seem expensive, a lawyer can end up getting you more money than you anticipated with your settlement. In addition, the amount of money you could lose if you make any errors could be astronomical. And those errors could also affect you for the rest of your life. This is especially true if you and your spouse own property, or have children, retirement plans, or large assets. Interview several attorneys before deciding on who will represent you, and hire them early in the process. This way they can walk you through every step to make sure you are getting the best settlement. Hiring good legal counsel is priceless and is the only way to truly protect yourself in a settlement.

The Unexpected Benefits of Divorce

Posted on by Robert J. Reeves
While the divorce process is, of course, stressful and painful, you might find that there are unexpected benefits of divorce. There are negative effects as well, but many people are surprised to find some silver linings. Many find that they are more confident after a divorce. In addition, you will likely have more free time. And what’s more, your time is your own. Divorce can be a great way to start some new beginnings and exciting new chapters in your life. Finally, you can also prioritize your own goals and needs without feeling guilty. Divorce is difficult and it can be a very painful process. But hopefully, you will be able to experience some of these positive effects and begin to see your divorce as the start of a new chapter in your life.

The Unexpected Benefits of Divorce: Surprising Silver Linings

Confidence

Confidence is a very unexpected benefit of divorce. Most people assume that divorce will wreck their self-confidence. However, often the opposite is true. Divorce can be empowering and proof that you have what it takes to fight for what you deserve. What’s more, the thought of being single might be scary. However, after surviving a divorce, obstacles and fears might seem easier to overcome.

Free Time

Another unexpected benefit of divorce is that your time is now your own. You don’t have to worry about catering to your partner’s needs any longer. Or feel guilty when you take time for yourself. If you are now sharing custody of your children you might also have every other weekend free. While it can be a painful transition at first, you might start realizing there are a lot of benefits to having time to yourself now and then.

New Beginnings

Many people look at divorce as the closing of a chapter. But one of the surprising benefits of divorce is that it can be the first chapter in a new phase of life. Ending your marriage allows you to meet new people and even potentially a new partner. It might be just the fresh start you need to make changes in your life that you’ve been putting off for a long time.

Prioritizing Goals

Finally, another of the unexpected benefits of divorce is that you can now prioritize yourself and your own needs. If your marriage was on the rocks before, you might not have been able to take the time you need for self-care. In addition, if you put aside goals you now have the opportunity to reach for them. It’s okay to prioritize yourself now and get exactly what you want for your life.

While it can take a little while to realize the unexpected benefits of divorce, once you are through with the stress of the process itself, you can see the positives. Many find that although they thought they would be less confident, the process was empowering. And what’s more, they went through it and survived. After that, other fears might not seem as scary. Another positive is that your free time is now your own to do with as you please without guilt. You might also have more free time now, especially with shared custody. You can also prioritize your own goals and needs. And finally, divorce can often be the start of a new chapter in your life with exciting opportunities. While it can be painful and difficult, the divorce process is not all negative. There are some unexpected silver linings to look forward to eventually.

Divorce News: Making a Plan

Posted on by Robert J. Reeves

It can be hard to bring up divorce with your spouse. However, it can be even harder to break the divorce news to your kids. With how traumatic divorce can be for them, you want to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible…

Divorce News: Telling The Kids

Tell them together

When breaking divorce news to your kids, it’s important you and your spouse tell them together. In effect, you’ll both want to maintain a united front. After all, you kids aren’t going to know what you know about the divorce or who suggested it. Doing it together helps tell them you’re still working together.

Also, this avoids sending them any mixed messages. If you tell them first, and your partner does later, it could confuse your kids. Plus, you won’t know what your partner could say. Doing this together is good for making sure you’re both on the same page.

Wait for a good time

Another thing to remember when breaking divorce news to the kids is that timing is key. You don’t want to decide on a divorce, and then immediately tell the kids. You’ll also want to avoid telling them when they’re already angry or upset due to something else. Instead, you should make sure the time is right.

Wait until you and your spouse are sure you’ll divorce, and have some kind of plan set in place. Then, be sure to tell the kids somewhere they feel comfortable, and when they aren’t already emotional. This will help ensure the potential shockisn’t made worse by outside factors.

Know what to tell them

Of course, if you’re breaking divorce news, you should know what exactly you’re going to say. Your kids don’t need all the specific details of what went wrong. Most of it probably won’t make sense to them, especially if they’re younger. Rather, you should give them reassurance and a plan for the future.

Be sure that your kids know they aren’t responsible for the divorce, and that you both still love them. This reassurance is important for helping them start to process what’s going on. Then, tell them what might be happening in the future. If they know what to expect, then it’ll be easier for them to prepare emotionally.

Extra Income: Single Parent Pluses

Posted on by Robert J. Reeves

After a divorce, newly-single parents may seem to be facing financial hardships they are not used to facing. Because of the difference in income (a dual income home becoming a single income home), it is understandable why parents would need an extra income. Here are some ways you can generate an extra income as a single parent.

Extra Income: Ideas for Single Parents

Writing

Writing is a great idea for an extra income. Because content writing is growing in popularity for a multitude of websites, writing on the side can become a lucrative and easy addition to your income. You can do it on your own time and write as little or as much as you want.

Pet Sitting

There is an art to pet sitting that not everyone has, but it certainly is an extra income that is easy to make. You can start by making small flyers for your neighborhood or simply by word of mouth. Pet sitting can vary from daily walks to over-night, long term stays. You decide what you are comfortable doing and what works best with your schedule. Additionally, the therapy from hanging out with a dog for a little while will boost your mood!

Online Selling

With the growing popularity of online marketplaces, it is easier than ever to sell unused or unwanted items online. You can declutter and earn some cash at the same time! This extra income will require a small amount of time and planning: you’ll have to coordinate with others to meet up.

Tax Preparation

While it is past tax season for this year, you can get your license and prepare for next year’s season. Tax season is busy since literally everyone has to file by a certain date. This form of extra income is seasonal, but worth it if you don’t mind the extra hours.

Part Time Jobs

​While it may seem like a commitment, a part time job will be an extra income that could also bring other benefits. Some stores give a discount for employees that could also help your family. If you get a 10% discount on food and other necessities, you’re not only earning an extra few dollars, but saving them, too!

Finding New Hobbies After Divorce

Posted on by Robert J. Reeves

Finding new hobbies after divorce can be a great way to get out of the house, feel social, and meet new people. And as you improve at a new hobby, you’ll get a boost of self-confidence. It’s normal to want to isolate yourself after divorce, but it can lead to loneliness. So getting out of the house and trying a new class, exercise, or craft can be a great way to break up the monotony. It’s also a great way to meet new people, or even a new partner eventually. Explore different options and get outside of your comfort zone to try something completely new. If you feel overwhelmed or nervous to start, consider bringing a friend along for support. Hopefully, you’ll find a new passion and enjoy improving at your new skill.

Finding New Hobbies After Divorce: Boost Your Confidence

Improve Confidence

One of the reasons why finding new hobbies after divorce is so important is because it can boost confidence. Many people experience insecurity after a divorce, and it’s normal to feel a little less confident than usual. But as you improve at a new skill, it naturally can boost your confidence and make you feel proud of yourself. Having small goals to reach for can also give you something to focus on that can distract you from your divorce.

Meet New People

Another reason why finding new hobbies after divorce is helpful is because it’s a great way to meet new people. You might find new friends to connect with, or even meet a potential new date. Try to be open and friendly to others in an exercise or craft class, or consider joining a meet-up group.

Explore Some Options

When finding new hobbies after divorce, it’s best to get out of your comfort zone and explore some new things. You never know if you have a passion for something until you try it. So consider signing up for a few classes. You might explore new types of exercise like a hiking group, running club, or yoga class. Or hobby classes like painting, ceramics, or acting. If you’re passionate about something, see if there are workshops in your area so you can improve your skills.

Bring a Friend

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with trying to find hobbies after a divorce, it can be helpful to bring a friend along for the ride. Starting something new, or joining a class with strangers can be a little intimidating. Ask a friend or family member to come along with you so that you have somebody to talk to or laugh with after the class.

Finding new hobbies after divorce can be incredibly helpful when it comes to moving on and processing your emotions. It’s normal to want to isolate yourself or stay home when you are experiencing something stressful like a divorce. However, getting out of the house, trying new things, and meeting new people can actually make you feel a lot better, and can boost your self-confidence. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things like an exercise or craft class in something you’ve never tried. You might consider joining a meet-up group so that you can easily meet new people, or bring a friend along if you’re feeling intimidated. You never know when you’ll find your next passion in life, or when you’ll meet a new friend. Plus, when you feel like you’re ready to explore dating again, it can be a great way to meet new potential partners.

Hung Up on Your Ex: What to Do

Posted on by Robert J. Reeves

If you are divorced and still hung up on your ex, it can be hard to get through the day to day of your new life. It’s normal to experience some emotional ups and downs during the divorce process and after it is finalized. But for some, moving forward can be more difficult than for others. And it can take some time. Be patient with yourself, and don’t let anybody pressure you to move on before you feel ready. Take time to confront your grief about your marriage ending. Establish healthy routines for yourself like getting out of the house, getting exercise, focusing on your own happiness, and taking time for your mental health. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things instead of isolating yourself at home. Finally, lean on your support group or consider therapy to really get to the bottom of your lingering feelings. Hopefully, you can get the support you need to begin moving forward.

Hung Up on Your Ex: What to Do and How to Begin to Move On

Confront Your Feelings

If you feel that you’re hung up on your ex, it’s important to really accept your emotions. Many try to deny how they feel, or pretend that a divorce is not a big deal. However, even if you decided mutually to break up, the end of a marriage is still a reason to grieve. Not only are you losing an important person from your everyday life, but a future that you envisioned for yourself for a long time. Allow yourself to grieve and experience the roller coaster of emotions without trying to tamp them down.

Establish Healthy Routines

Another thing that can be helpful if you’re hung up on your ex is to establish some healthy routines. Taking care of your own mental and physical health is important. So try to get outside for some exercise for a little while every day. Eat a balanced meal filled with whole foods, and drink plenty of water. Finally, try to get into a healthy sleep routine so you can be your happiest self. If you struggle to fall asleep, consider getting blackout curtains or a sleep mask. You might also try things like white noise machines, calming music, or a long bath before bed to wind down.

Try New Things

It’s normal for people who are grieving to want to isolate themselves. But this can make it more difficult to move on. So force yourself out of the house each day, and try to be as social as you can be. Invite friends over or ask them to include you in plans so that you don’t feel lonely. Get out and try new activities, like a new hobby or exercise class. Learning a new skill can help you build some self-confidence, especially if you set some small and attainable goals for yourself. Staying busy means less time to focus on your ex.

Get Support

Finally, if you’re hung up your ex, you’ll need to rely on support from friends and family. If you’re feeling especially emotional, call a friend or ask a neighbor to take a walk with you. Speaking to a therapist can also be extremely helpful. They can help you process your emotions, find healthy coping techniques for stress, and help you navigate the grieving process. If you are feeling depressed, speak to your doctor or find support from a grief counselor. There are also things like support groups or meetup groups for divorcees that might allow you to connect to others who have been in a similar situation.

Moving on after a divorce can take different amounts of time for everybody. Don’t try to compare yourself to friends that have been through divorce. Instead, give yourself some grace and patience, and take as long as you need to. If you feel like you’re hung up on your ex, it can make it even harder to move on from the divorce. Don’t try to cover up your feelings, but instead, confront them. It’s okay to take some time to grieve the end of your marriage. Try to take care of your mental and physical health by getting into healthy routines like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting plenty of sleep. Try to get out of the house and try new things instead of isolating yourself. Learning new skills can help you build confidence and can be a great distraction from thoughts of your ex. Finally, get support from friends or family, or from a therapist to help you begin to move on. Hopefully, you can start to heal from your divorce and begin focusing on the next chapter of your life without grieving your ex too much.