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How the Five Stages of Grief Interplay with a Divorce Case in the Orlando, Florida Area

Many people facing a divorce in the Orlando, Florida area are upset, confused, and frustrated about their predicament of having to face divorce. Many people do not want a divorce. However, their spouse wants a divorce, which means it has to happen. So, how do the Five Stages of Grief interplay with a divorce? 

The Five Stages of Grief are :

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

Denial

In denial, one does not fully register the total pain, shock and disbelief over their loss in one moment or day, so the pain is spread over time. At the beginning of a divorce, one spouse may think the parties will reconcile and they just want to obtain general information on divorce. However, that person’s relatives and friends have told them they need a divorce attorney because their spouse is going to divorce them. Yet, in that timeframe, the person is in denial and cannot accept what their family and friends are telling them. 

Anger

Then, that same person will become angry with their spouse that they previously wanted to reconcile with instead of divorce. They will complain about how that spouse lied to them, is not trustworthy, and claim that their spouse owes them. 

Bargaining

Bargaining includes going over the situation and saying “what if?” This can be destructive. You need to remember that bad things happen despite our best efforts.  

Depression

It is normal that people will be depressed during their divorce. When a couple separates, they both have less money than they did when they were together. This can cause financial strain. Further, there may be the loss of your best friend. There may be things that you have recently found out about your spouse that you previously did not know that make you sad. If children are involved, there is stress from dealing with the children’s issues in the case. 

Acceptance

Acceptance is when you come to accept that you are divorcing and make an effort to move forward to best help yourself in the case. This can include speaking with a CPA and/or financial planner so they can advise you regarding which assets and debts are best for you to receive and the tax ramifications of that. 

Reacting and facing the five stages of grief during your Orlando, Florida area divorce is an important process of the divorce proceeding. If you are stressed, depressed, or frustrated, you should visit a therapist during your divorce. They can assist you in managing the five stages of grief. 

If you have more questions regarding a Marital and Family Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.