The Holiday Season Is Over but the Divorce Season Has Begun - Three Tips for Transitioning to the Next Phase of Your Life

LOS ANGELES, CA, January 13, 2011 (Press-News.org) According to Jerry Cohen, owner of California Divorce Financial Planning, January could be designated as national divorce month. The Center for Disease Control stopped gathering detailed information on divorce in 1996, but according to most divorce professionals, a dramatic increase in activity is experienced in January.

Sometimes the rise in divorce filings in January are because people wait until the holidays are over and other times it is due to New Year's "fresh start" resolutions. "No matter what the reason, or when it's started, divorce is grueling for families," says Cohen.

There are ways to reduce the trauma and stress that families going through divorce experience. Here are Cohen's top three tips for divorcing with a more positive focus.

1. Divorce does not have to be "win-lose"

Approach your divorce with a focus on your financial needs and objectives and as a process where you are bringing a workable ending to a partnership. This will help lay the foundation for both parties to be able to move on. You will find that in the end your divorce will be less expensive and with less anxiety and fear than typically experienced in a traditional divorce.

2. Attorneys and other advisors should not make your decisions

There are alternative divorce processes available that empowers couples and facilitates sound decisions. Talk to a family law attorney or divorce financial analyst who specializes in mediation or collaborative divorce.

3. Consider your divorce a transition - not an end

Move through the divorce process as an empowered decision-maker with the goal of transitioning to the next phase of your life. Divorce is about new beginnings.
"There is never a perfect time to divorce", says Cohen. "Divorce is never easy. But it is possible to navigate the tough emotional and financial challenges in a way that can help you transition to the next phase of your life."

Jerry Cohen is the owner of California Divorce Financial Planning whose mission is to help divorcing couples and individuals facilitate fair and workable financial settlements. This is done by providing the information and knowledge to help clients arrive at prudent financial decisions. If you would like to learn more contact Jerry at jcohen@cdfplanning.com.