From Heartbreak to Healing: How to Protect Your Mental and Emotional Health During a Family Law Case

Divorce and child custody proceedings are considered one of the most difficult life experiences that a person can go through, and they can take a toll on more than just your physical and financial health.

Going through the dissolution of a marriage can affect your mental health as well.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Divorce impacts emotional well-being just as much as finances and logistics. 
• Establishing a strong support system and healthy coping strategies can foster emotional resilience. 
• A good law firm can be just as important for your emotional well-being as your financial or physical one. Take the time to research attorneys and find the right one for all your needs.

While we often focus on the legal requirements and nuances of ending a relationship, every family law proceeding also has a deep emotional aspect that needs attention as well. 

Taking steps to take care of yourself and your mental health during your case is critical to you being able to achieve the best possible outcome, from both a legal and personal standpoint. 

Let’s look at six things you can do to help care for your mental and emotional health during this difficult process.

#1: See a Mental Health Professional

For anyone going through a divorce, taking the time to seek out mental health support is something that can’t be emphasized enough.

Even the most amicable family law cases are stressful at times, and most are riddled with constant feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. 

Having a mental health professional on board to help you cope with the process can make all the difference. 

While having a compassionate family law attorney is important, attorneys are not mental health professionals. You don’t want to waste your time or financial resources on using your attorney as your therapist. 

A mental health professional is far more suited to help you through the mental and emotional aspects of your case. 

Not only that, but many mental health professionals accept insurance – or at least most likely have rates that are lower than your attorney’s. 

Many parents are concerned that if they see a therapist, psychiatrist, or take mental health medication, it will be used against them in court and negatively impact the outcome of their custody arrangement. 

In fact, the exact opposite is true. 

Seeking help when you are struggling is a sign of responsibility, and courts are impressed when parents can admit they are having a hard time, and then show they are taking steps to address the situation.  

Mental health professionals can help you establish and maintain boundaries, as well as develop healthy coping mechanisms, which will be crucial for success in navigating your new reality. 

#2: Consider a Support Group

There are numerous options for support groups (both in person and online) for thoser going through a divorce as well as dealing with child custody issues. 

Consider joining one in your area, as speaking with others who are experiencing similar emotions can provide you with perspective and reassurance. 

However, you will want to be cautious about legal advice that is sometimes offered within these groups.

Remember that your situation is unique to you and it’s important to not use others’ experiences to set expectations for the outcome of your own case. The statutes and case law governing family law proceedings can vary from state to state, and no two cases are the same. 

Rely on these groups for emotional support and turn to your attorney for legal advice. 

#3: Create an Email Address Just for Your Case

Throughout your case, you will receive countless emails from your legal team, other experts, and likely your ex-partner. 

Even receiving such emails can be stress-inducing and take an emotional toll on you.

Create a separate email address to use exclusively for your family law case. Turn off the notifications so you are not constantly bombarded with upsetting emails and set aside a time to review and respond to these emails every day.

If there is an emergency or something requiring your immediate response, your legal team will call you.

#4: Carry a Journal

There will be times when questions, ideas, or potentially important memories come to mind. 

Trying to remember these things to tell your attorney or therapist can cause an unnecessary additional layer of stress. 

Instead, carry a notepad so that you can write these things down when they pop into your head and take the pressure off having to remember on your own. 

This can help save your legal fees by condensing multiple things into one single email. 

#5: Set Boundaries with your Ex-Partner and Know When to Disengage

Boundaries allow you to regain emotional control, focus on healing, and are necessary if you and your ex are going to be able to effectively co-parent. 

Be clear with your ex about expectations, especially regarding communication between the two of you. 

It’s also important to recognize when a conversation between you and your ex has devolved from the two of you discussing options and solutions to just arguing. 

If you two are engaged in litigation, it is already clear you do not communicate and make decisions well together, and there is no reason to think that continuing to argue via text message, email, or in person is going to produce a positive outcome. 

Knowing when to disengage in conversation and defer to your attorney is important. 

#6: Exercise

Countless studies have shown that regular physical activity helps to combat depression and relieve stress. 

If you don’t exercise regularly, consider starting, even if it is just daily walks around your neighborhood or block.

Establishing an exercise routine is a healthy and effective coping mechanism that can be beneficial to your mental and physical health for years to come. 

Geigle | Morales: Your Future Starts Here

At Geigle | Morales, we recognize that family law is more than just dividing assets and negotiating custody—it’s an emotional journey that requires careful guidance and understanding. 

Prioritizing your mental health, seeking support, and embracing personal growth will empower you to transition from heartbreak to healing. 

At Geigle | Morales, we will work closely with you to provide not only exceptional legal representation but also compassionate emotional support throughout the process. 

If you are going through a divorce, reach out to Geigle | Morales today. Let us help you navigate the path forward with clarity, confidence, and care.