Identifying Your Goals During Your Rockville Divorce or Family Law Case

One of the first things we ask our clients who are going through the divorce process to do is name their top five goals. These goals not only help our attorneys learn your wishes and desires, but they also keep you grounded and informed about what matters the most to you.

However, when going through a divorce, clients often feel defeated, sad, angry, frustrated, and even overwhelmed. Therefore, it can be very difficult to think of your goals and develop a plan to ensure that you succeed in achieving them. Our Rockville divorce lawyers know and understand this, and we are here to provide you with a helping hand to accomplish this important task.

Five reasons why identifying your goals is so important

Identifying your goals is essential to the divorce process for several reasons:

1. It ensures that everything continues to move smoothly: The divorce process can be a little bumpy as you and your attorney may hit a few roadblocks along the way. However, if you identify and set goals, it can help ensure that everything continues to move smoothly. You and your attorney will have a plan in place, which can serve as a guideline to refer back to and ensure that you are staying on track.
2. It helps us understand what motivates you: It is important for your lawyers to know what your motivations are and why. Identifying and establishing goals can help us become aware of what exactly you are hoping to achieve during and after your divorce. Without these goals, you may be unsure of what exactly you want throughout the divorce process as well as once the divorce is finalized.
3. It ensures we’re focusing on what’s most important to you. Divorce requires compromise, and while we will always fight for the best possible outcome for our clients, we know that sometimes, something has to give. When we know what your ultimate goals are, we can find areas of compromise that don’t conflict with your best interests – but DO allow all parties to keep moving forward.
4. It keeps you grounded: Going through a divorce can cause many strong feelings and emotions. Therefore, identifying your goals can give you something to think about, look forward to, and concentrate on. Instead of only focusing on the less-than-ideal or disappointing aspects of what you are currently going through, you can see what you are working toward.
5. It will ultimately help you and your children: Your goals can be used as resolutions for you and your ex-spouse. For example, if you and your ex-spouse share children, you can set goals that you both agree on, which will benefit you and your children. Remember that the number one concern for judges is the best interest of your kids. Our job is to show that your goals are aligned with them.

A few examples of long-term goals to set for yourself during and after your divorce

When you are identifying and setting goals, it is critical to know that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to this. You need to determine what means the most to you, what you cannot live without, and what you are willing to give up. How we go about this may change based on your circumstances. Here are a few examples of end goals worth striving for:

• Having all your finances in order after the divorce: Money causes a lot of stress, so ensuring your financial security is an important and achievable goal. This includes thinking about possibly going back to school, re-entering the workforce, finding a better paying job, getting your own health insurance, paying child support (if required), cutting back on certain spending habits, and more. Setting a goal of financial security does not necessarily mean fighting over every nickel; it means creating an agreement where debts and assets are divided justly, and planning for the future.
• Making sure your children are happy and thriving after the divorce: For many parents, this is the ultimate goal. Putting your kids first means thinking about their needs ahead of yours, even if the end result is something you don’t love, like sharing custody during the holidays or making the decision to set house rules that both parents must abide by. It also means creating a fair schedule that benefits your children, making time to show up for their activities and events, being cordial with your ex-spouse for your children, and more.
• Taking care of your own emotional and physical wellbeing: Focusing on your own mental health is another admirable and achievable goal. This includes thinking about going to therapy or counseling appointments, developing a new gym or workout routine, giving yourself more time to process everything going on, taking the time to find out what hobbies and activities you enjoy, meeting new friends and gaining a new support system, and more. Individuals who have this type of goal realize that there is a new life out there, and they want to do everything possible to embrace it.

If you are thinking about divorcing your spouse iand need advice or guidance s, the Rockville divorce attorneys at McCabe Russell, PA are available to assist you. A lawyer from our firm will listen to the facts and circumstances surrounding your potential divorce, inform you of your legal rights and protections, and represent you throughout the entire process. We can help you reach the goals you set for yourself. All you have to do is fill out our contact form or call our office to schedule your consultation at one of our office locations in Rockville, Bethesda, Columbia, or Fulton today.