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3 Ways To Reduce Your Stress Levels When Going Through A Divorce

by Gene Vasquez

It's an understatement to say that going through a divorce can be painful, messy, and stressful. However, you don't have to do this alone. A divorce attorney is a valuable asset to have at this time instead of trying to go it alone. If you need help with legalese or want minimum contact with your ex, a third party can certainly help. Here are three other ways to reduce your stress levels during this time.

1. Look Into Massage Therapy

While you may think that this is a luxury you cannot afford, many insurance plans allow many people to get massages covered as long as they have a doctor's note to bill to the insurance. The stress of your divorce can physically exhaust your body. According to the Huffington Post, people going through divorce can have high levels of cortisol--a stress-related hormone--which can affect your blood pressure and immune system. People going through divorce are also more prone to insomnia, depression, and indigestion. Massages can combat these symptoms. Massages can lower stress hormones, release endorphins (pain-reliving chemicals), relax tense muscles, and improve circulation. You need to take care of yourself during this time, so look for a massage therapist that your comfortable with. 

2. Look Into Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods help couples come to decisions so they won't have to pursue lawsuits or have to spend lengthy hours in court. There are different ADR methods to try, like mediation, arbitration, and negotiation.

During mediation, an impartial third party sent by the courts will faciliate a conversation between you and your ex. Mediators do not decide how things are resolved, they just help facilitate the conversation in a safe, calm manner. If you and your ex are at an impasse, then you may want to look into arbitration. An arbitrator is an impartial judge who will hear both sides of the story between the ex-spouses, then make a decision that is final and binding.

If you and your ex have an amicable relationship, then a negotiation can be a good ADR method. During negotiations, you, your ex, and both your attorneys will meet to hash out the details of the divorce. If things get heated, then mediation and arbitration could be the next step.

ADR methods can relieve your stress because you have more say in the future and can make a more flexible plan. There are uncertainties when you go to court, and it's stressful to have a judge who doesn't know you make decisions. ADR methods are also better for stress levels since they are usually less expensive than a series of court hearings. Plus, methods like mediation are confidential, so you won't have to feel like you are airing out your dirty laundry to anyone.

3. Try Filing Online

If you have an uncontested divorce and few variables to think about (e.g. no children, steady income, etc.), then you may want to try filing for divorce online. You'll have to check with your state to see if e-filing is an option. While you may need the help of a lawyer to fill out paperwork, you can avoid the stress of courts and even ADR methods. Do keep in mind that if you and your ex are living in different states, you'll have to make sure you are only filing for divorce in one state. This is important since two states cannot have jurisdiction over one marriage.

If you keep these tips in mind, you may be able to streamline divorce proceedings and move on to your next phase of life with less worries. For more information, contact a local lawyer like William Kirby, Family Law Attorney.

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