A Fresh Start: Setting Intentional Goals for Your Divorce
Happy New Year!
As we embark on a new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. If you’re going through a divorce, this is a particularly significant time to focus on your goals and how you want to move forward.
Why Set Intentional Goals?
The answer may seem obvious. Setting clear goals can help you stay focused during the dissolution or child-custody process. Intentional goals can help alleviate stress and anxiety in what will likely be a high stress life event. A set of goals in any situation can offer you boost your self-esteem and empower you. In a matter involving domestic abuse, that self-empowerment may be the key to facing your abuser. Intentional goals focus on the future which supports a positive mindset. A positive mindset in a high stress matter, might offer the bit of sanity needed.
How to Set Intentional Goals with Your Lawyer?
First, you must be open and honest with your lawyer about your goals and concerns. Early on you may have more concerns than goals. That should change and focusing on goal setting will require intentional time aside by you.
Second, ask for your lawyer to set realistic expectations for what to expect from the start. Their opinion of the matter may change over the course of the case. However, it is good to hear their opinion. It may cause you to get a second opinion.
Third, come prepared with a list of priorities. Your attorney cannot tell you what is important to you. They can explain how the law can support those goals, but they cannot create the initial for you.
Fourth, ask for deadlines for specific tasks. Note your attorney may need time to understand the facts of your case before they can offer a timeline on specific tasks.
Lastly, ask to schedule regular meetings with your lawyer to review the progress of your case and adjust your goals as needed. This help keep you both accountable on your “action” items.
Example Goals:
- Financial Security: Develop a financial plan to ensure your financial stability post-divorce.
- Emotional Well-being: Prioritize self-care and seek support from friends, family, or a therapist.
- Co-Parenting Effectively: Establish a co-parenting plan that minimizes conflict and maximizes the well-being of your children.
- Career Advancement: Focus on your career goals and identify opportunities for professional growth.
- New Beginnings: Plan for a new chapter in your life, whether it’s moving to a new home, starting a new job, or pursuing a new hobby.
Resources to help set and achieve goals:
- Books
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi
- When by Daniel Pink
- Podcasts
- The Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi
- Unlocking Us by Brene Brown
Happy New Year, and best wishes this coming year!
The Lawyers are Beresford Booth Are Worth Your Time
When choosing a lawyer, consider these factors and take the time to interview multiple candidates. Ask about their experience, fees, and approach to cases. Ask the best way to communicate with them. Trust your instincts and choose a lawyer who you feel both comfortable with and confident in.
Serving Washington Since 1946
Beresford Booth lawyers are experienced, dedicated professionals, prepared to answer your questions and guide you through the process based on your needs and goals. As a result of our experience, we provide you practical advice and set reasonable expectations for the process. Together, we develop and implement a case strategy based on your goals. Beresford Booth is a Primerus law firm. Primerus is an international society of top-rated independent law firms.
Family law disputes can be stressful and emotional. Our family law group can take some of the weight off your shoulders. Call (425) 776-4100 to request a consultation.
