While we all encounter challenges from time to time, there are events in our lives that can be especially devastating and cause significant stress for a prolonged period of time. For instance, the sudden death of a loved one, an unanticipated loss of income, or receiving a serious health diagnosis can all create a substantial amount of confusion, anxiety, loss, and even despair. As you grapple with life-changing news, it’s important to identify sources of support that can ease your burden and provide you with the empathy and care you need. Turning to loved ones, seeking mental health counseling, or engaging in stress-management practices (i.e., yoga, meditation, support groups, etc.) are designed to help you navigate this difficult time with greater ease. In the midst of this high-stress situation, it can be challenging to make other important decisions, such as whether to make a career move, relocate to another location, or file for divorce. If you or your spouse are considering filing for divorce in Washington state while you are already coping with a highly stressful event, it’s worth weighing several factors before moving forward with this draining and time-consuming process.
For those wading through a stressful time, it may be worth waiting until the stressor has passed or become more manageable before proceeding with the divorce process. If you are able to wait a bit longer to file for divorce, you will have more time and energy to make these crucial decisions that will affect your post-divorce future. Enlisting the guidance of a highly experienced and caring Seattle divorce attorney is the best way to fully understand your options and to ensure that your needs and best interests are sufficiently protected. Let’s take a closer look at some of the risks of filing for divorce during a crisis and how incorporating divorce timing considerations into your decision-making process can help you proceed with greater clarity and confidence.
What to Know About Starting a Divorce Under Stress in Washington State
If the prospect of divorce has been brought up by either spouse, a sudden, high-stress event can complicate these already delicate conversations even further. For example, a death in the family, the loss of a job, or a long-term illness can cause additional stress and make the topic of divorce more emotionally charged and complex. It can be helpful to explore some of the potential advantages and drawbacks of filing for divorce during or after a major life event to inform your decision of when to file for divorce in Washington state.
Possible Benefits to Filing for Divorce During a High-Stress Life Event
In some cases, one spouse may still want to file for divorce so that the process can move forward as quickly as possible. For instance, if a spouse is concerned about their safety (or the safety of their children), initiating the divorce proceedings can give them the protection they need during this already vulnerable time. Moreover, acting quickly allows the spouse who files for divorce to feel more proactive and in control of the situation, which can be empowering in light of chaotic circumstances. If you are interested in learning more about some of the factors to consider when filing for divorce, consider enlisting the support of a knowledgeable and dedicated Seattle divorce lawyer.
Potential Risks or Complications of Divorcing During Stressful Events
Even if the spouses agree that ending the marriage is their best option for moving forward, the divorce process can be stressful and emotional. Negotiating the terms of your divorce is difficult enough when both parties are able to concentrate fully on these critical decisions, so attempting to navigate this complex legal process during a stressful live event can be especially difficult and overwhelming. Rushing through this process as you also cope with the loss of a loved one or a sudden loss of income can increase the potential for making rash decisions and depriving yourself of securing a fair and equitable divorce agreement. The heavy stress you are dealing with can cloud your decision making capabilities, leaving you vulnerable to unfair outcomes that fail to provide you with the secure financial foundation you need to begin your life’s next chapter. Before you make the decision to proceed with the divorce process during a stressful life event, you may find it helpful to go over your options with a trusted and caring Seattle family law and divorce attorney.
Legal Considerations of Divorcing During a High-Stress Event
Making the decision to obtain a divorce usually requires reflection and careful consideration, both individually and as a couple. There are several factors that can help to influence your decision as to when to file for divorce, particularly if there is a stressful life event that is already demanding your attention and draining your emotions. Here are some of the legal considerations you may want to review as you decide whether to file for divorce now or delay this process until after the stressful event has subsided.
Financial Stability
Generally speaking, waiting until the stressful life event is more manageable can allow for more stable financial planning. Once you have found ways of managing the stress more effectively (i.e., working with a therapist, attending support groups, etc.), you will be better equipped to devote your attention to the more nuanced financial aspects of the divorce process. For instance, delaying the filing process for a few months allows you to gather important information and documents that you can use to negotiate a more equitable distribution of assets and ensure that you have a stable financial foundation once the divorce is finalized.
Conflict Management
Ending your marriage can be an emotional endeavor, even if you and your spouse agree that a divorce is the best way for you both to enjoy a brighter and happier future. It’s natural to mourn your relationship, and these heightened emotions can complicate the communication process and make it more difficult to manage disagreements and conflict. When a major life event arises, such as the loss of a job or a long-term illness, this additional stress can further strain your communication and lead to more emotionally charged disagreements. Delaying the divorce process during a period of acute stress can make it easier for you and your spouse to move forward with open and productive communication once things calm down.
Tax and Asset Planning
Sometimes, delaying the divorce process can be advantageous for those hoping to minimize tax benefits. For instance, waiting until the end of the year or after tax season to file for divorce in Washington state can work in your favor. Additionally, taking a bit more time to think through each decision about dividing up your marital assets can help to avoid rash decisions.
Making Decisions With Confidence
While it’s natural to want to move through the divorce process as quickly as possible so that you can move on from this chapter of your life, making hasty decisions can create significant complications and leave you vulnerable later on. Allowing your ex to keep the family home may feel like an easy concession at the moment, but you may find yourself regretting this decision once the divorce is finalized. Before you rush through any decisions, it’s worth sharing your concerns and identifying your goals with a trusted and empathetic Seattle family law attorney who can support you during this challenging and stressful time.
How Washington Courts View Timing in Relation to Support or Custody Matters
If you have children, you may have questions about how to time your divorce so that your children’s best interests will be protected as much as possible. Washington courts prioritize the best interests of the child, and the judge will work to establish an arrangement that supports this goal. If you and your spouse take some time to work through a stressful situation before filing for divorce, the court will likely understand this delay and even appreciate that you waited until you were better able to focus on the divorce process. However, the court will also understand why a parent in a stressful situation would act quickly to file for divorce if there are safety concerns about the other party. For example, if the other parent has a history of domestic violence or anger issues, filing for divorce during an already overwhelming life event would be an understandable move in order to keep the child safe. No matter what the specific circumstances of your situation may be, enlisting the support of a highly qualified and caring Seattle divorce attorney is the best way for you to move through this challenging time with greater confidence and ease.
Get Started With Seattle’s Top Family Law Firm Today
The prospect of moving through the divorce process can be daunting, but you do not have to navigate this challenging time on your own. When you enlist the support of a highly experienced and compassionate Seattle family law and divorce attorney, you can trust that your best interests will be protected at every opportunity. Reach out to the Hemmat Law Group today at (206) 682-5200 to learn more about how we can help you move forward into a bright and secure future.