A divorce transition begins when the idea of divorce enters the mind of either party, and ends well after the legal divorce is final. This transition typically takes a minimum of two years. Whether it is peaceful with uncontested divorce, or what seems like a war with a custody fight, change is inevitable.

Your choice is whether to just survive the changes to single life, or to thrive through them.

Most people going through divorce need the answers to these big questions:

Who do I want and need in my family?

What kind of home do I want?

Do I want to stay in my job or change careers?  

What doors are open which were closed before? 

The whole transition requires a new identity, life skills, finances, housing, schedules, and relationships. The whole person is involved as health, and even spiritual beliefs, can change. The process is lengthened or made more complex if hasty choices are made.

Grief is a central part of divorce transition, but wise management of grief can lessen it’s impact. Divorce grief stages include denial, shock, anger, bargaining to try to fix it, depression, acceptance, and practicing new relationship skills. Future planning is a constant activity during divorce.