Life After Divorce

A Round-Up of Recent Celebrity Divorces

Are you aware of the recent big celebrity divorces? After all, divorce isn’t just for everyday folks. Those we idolize in the entertainment industry, famous politicians, actors, singers, reality stars, and uber-billionaires get divorced too. 

Indeed, it’s been reported that around 50 percent of all marriages will end in divorce or separation. Celebrities are people too, and under a lot of pressure and stress from everyday life  and more from being under the microscope.

Sometimes marriages last just months and other times years and even decades. Whether a spouse was cheating or just fell out of love or due to financial strain, marriages end for all sorts of reasons. But the fact of the matter is, divorce for many Americans is prevalent (including those we idolize). So it can be comforting knowing that you’re not the only one going through the process. 

Some notable recent celebrity divorces include the following: 

  • After over 10 years after famous journalist Maria Shriver sought to end her then-25-year marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the once-governor of California and actor, a Los Angeles judge finally granted their divorce. 

  • The billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, divorced from hubby Melinda Gates after 27 years of marriage. However, the duo maintained that they’d continue working together on their philanthropist venture at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

  • After almost 24 years, rapper icon and music producer Dr. Dre finalized his divorce with a $100 million settlement to Nicole Young.  

  • The creator of the hit show ‘Gossip Girl’, Josh Schwartz, filed for divorce after 13 years of marriage. Schwartz is reportedly worth $70 million. 

  • Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West had asked to be “legally single” as a form of separation from her ex partner, singer Kanye West. The pair married in May 2014 and have four children together. 

The good news is there are qualified experts to assist you with any family law issue you have. You don’t have to suffer in silence if you’re unhappy. Protect your assets, ensure you're fairly compensated, get full or partial custody of your children, and more. Put simply, end the pain and suffering and move forward with your life. 

If you’re considering a divorce or a prenuptial agreement or have a child custody or child support issue or suffering from domestic violence, contact the Sabra Law Group in Manhattan at (646) 472-7971. 

4 Ways to Practice Self-Care During and After Divorce in New York

4 Ways to Practice Self-Care During and After Divorce in New YorkGoing through a divorce can be extremely painful and stressful; that is why it is important to practice self-care. Learn how to practice self-care during a divorce in New York with the 4 tips below.

Plan a Getaway

Sometimes it's important to get away to restore your sense of peace and regain your strength. Try to plan a quick weekend road trip or go to a retreat where you can practice meditation and yoga. It can also be beneficial to travel alone if you feel like you just need time alone to think and reflect. Traveling alone can bring peace and is usually less stressful than traveling with friends because you are free to do whatever you want.

Start by determining if your idea of a weekend getaway is doing something more relaxing or something more exciting.  Then based on that you can determine where you should go.  A quick trip or road trip can do wonders for your soul and help you reset. 

Don’t Keep Everything Bottled Up

Going through a divorce can be so emotional so if you feel like you need to talk to someone, get on the phone and call a friend and see if they can provide a listening ear.

Another outlet for not keeping everything bottled up is journaling.  Journaling provides an easy outlet too get your fears and frustrations out you will start to feel less weighed down. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help or Support

Don't let your pride get in the way of asking for help if you feel that you can benefit from counseling, consult a therapist or a divorce coach and then go ahead and make an appointment and at least try it out. Reach out to your friends and family for support and let them know that you may need their support from time to time. It is also important to find a babysitter or someone who can take care of the kids so you can get a break because sometimes you just need to be alone to unwind and de-stress during a time when it feels like your world is falling apart.

Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

Leading a healthy lifestyle will help you feel better emotionally and physically. It is important to focus on eating a healthy diet, getting some exercise, and really taking care of your entire mind and body.

Try having a weekly routine where you either go to the gym, practice yoga or take an exercise class.  Even going for a daily walk can make such a big difference. It is also important to be cognizant of what type of diet you are eating. A healthy diet will give you more energy, whereas an unhealthy diet will make you feel exhausted and sluggish, and stressed out.

If you are considering divorce or need assistance with child custody and support, contact Sabra Law Group today for a confidential consultation at (646) 472-7971. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Handle Summer Vacations as a Divorced Parent in Manhattan

Divorced Parent in ManhattanNow that a lot of people have been fully vaccinated, and things are starting to open up in New York, people are starting to travel again and plan summer vacations. However, planning a summer vacation for a divorced parent can be quite challenging. It requires you to communicate with your ex-spouse and it requires cooperation on both sides to make the vacation happen. The good news is that you can learn how to handle summer vacations as a divorced parent in Manhattan. 

Follow the Tips Below to Plan and Manage your Summer Vacations as a Divorced Parent:

1) Plan Ahead: planning ahead of time is the best way to make sure that your summer vacation goes smoothly with your children. Planning ahead also allows you to work out issues with your ex-spouse in case you have disagreements about schedules and vacation locations. 

2) Communicate Effectively: communication is key to co-parenting successfully. It is also important to communicate effectively when it comes to discussing summer vacations, holidays, and visitation dates regarding your children. 

3) Keep Special Events and Holidays in Mind: don't forget about holidays like Father's Day or Mother’s Day, as you probably won't want to ask for taking your son or daughter on a trip during an important holiday that would be insensitive to the other parent.  Also remember birthdays, as your ex-spouse may want to spend their birthday with their children, as it would be a reasonable request on their part.  By being more accommodating to special events and holidays, you can foster a better co-parenting relationship with your ex.  

4) Plan Day Activities During the Summer that are Easier to Organize:  you can organize a beach day, a picnic, a trip to the zoo or even a play date in the park with the puppies.  Even a staycation in a hotel in your local area would be a fun and easy vacation idea with your children. 

5)  Allow Your Children to Spend Time with their Friends During the Summer: it is important for your children to have friends to play with, so make sure that you're not taking them away for the entire summer where they don't have access to any friends.  

6)  Be Open-Minded to Your Ex-Spouse’s Suggestions When It Comes to Planning a Trip: be willing to take feedback from your ex-spouse as the main goal is the best interest of your children (which is probably what they're thinking of as well when they're making suggestions). You don't necessarily have to agree with them but if you respect what they have to say they will probably have the same respect for you and that will make things a lot easier when it comes to co-parenting. 

6) Allow Your Children to be Part of the Vacation Planning Process: this is especially important if your children are teenagers because teenagers are very opinionated about what they want to do and don't want to do. If you want to have a good time with your children make sure that you ask them what they would like to do and make them feel like they are a part of the vacation planning process.  

Need Assistance with Co-Parenting in Manhattan? 

If you need help mediating co-parenting disputes, contact Sabra Law Group today for a consultation at (646) 472-7971.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Tips for Dating After a Divorce in Manhattan

 

Dating after a divorce in ManhattanIf you recently got divorced, on one hand, you might be relieved and excited to start a new chapter of your life but on the other hand, you might also be emotionally and financially drained from the divorce.  When you do feel ready to get back into the dating scene it's important to know how to date after a divorce in Manhattan. Below are 5 tips for dating after a divorce.

Set Reasonable Expectations

Don't expect to meet the love of your life on the first date; instead, take it as an opportunity to meet someone new and perhaps make some new friends.  It's also a good idea to be in control of the date. Pick a place that you're comfortable with that's close to your home so that you feel that you're in a safe environment where you can feel relaxed and comfortable. 

If your standards are high, it might also be helpful to lower your standards a bit so you don’t eliminate any options that could be a good match for you even before even meeting them.

Don’t Get Discouraged

Just because you have a few bad dates do not give up on dating entirely. Sometimes it can take a couple of dates before you meet someone that you click with and that has the same values as you. 

Don't rush into dating unless you feel like you're ready. There are no timelines on when you should start dating after a divorce. Just because your other friends were dating immediately after a divorce does not mean that you should. When you do things on your own timeline you will be more comfortable with the entire process and the outcome will be more favorable. 

Do What Makes You Happy

One of the most important things after getting out of a marriage is self-care. Do what makes you happy.  Do the things you've never had the opportunity to go do. Travel the world. Or consider being a “tourist” in your own hometown or city.  You never know who you might meet along the way during your adventures.

Don’t Rush into Intimacy 

Don't rush into getting intimate with someone just to get over your ex because, in the end, you're only going to feel miserable. Give yourself the permission to explore what you want in a partner and what you don't want.  Make sure that who you decide to get intimate with has the characteristics that you would want in a future partner.  

Even if Someone is Not Your Ideal Match You Can Still Enjoy Their Company

Don't be so quick to end a date abruptly if your date is not your type. Give them the opportunity and get to know them you never know what can come out of that. They might end up being your best friend, or even set up with one of their friends that may be your ideal match. 

Need Assistance with Divorce, Child Custody, or Child Support? 

If you are currently going through a divorce or going through post-divorce issues and need legal assistance, contact Sabra Law Group today for a confidential consultation at (646) 472-7971.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Tips for Dating After Divorce in Manhattan 

dating after divorce in ManhattanAre you towards the tail end of your divorce or recently divorced?  Then maybe you have started thinking about getting back into the dating scene.  Before you rush into a new relationship, it is important to consider the best way to start dating again. 

Take the Proper Time to Heal 

The first thing to consider is to make sure that you heal before jumping into a new relationship or dating scene.  A divorce may leave you with deep psychological wounds that can unveil when you are pursuing a new relationship.  Work on self-care and healing and when you feel like you are in a better headspace mentally; then the timing may be right to consider dating again. 

Learn from Your Past Marriage and Relationships

Even bad relationships are a good learning experience.  Take the time to evaluate your marriage and analyze what went wrong.  Could you have identified the warning signs earlier?  Do you have a habit of falling into the same relationship patterns?  It is imperative to learn from the past, so you don’t repeat the same mistakes. 

Be Willing to Seek Professional Help

If you are apprehensive or scared of dating because you have gone through a rough divorce, do not be afraid to get professional help.  If your divorce has taken a psychological toll on your health, it may be beneficial to speak to a therapist, counselor or relationship coach who can help you move forward.  Having a professional to talk to may also help you understand your emotions so you can determine why you may have been experiencing them, identify your triggers and manage them when they arise.  This will make you a better partner.  

Spend Some Time Alone Before Jumping into Dating     

When you have been in a marriage for so many years and are used to having someone around, it is important to rediscover yourself.  Before you start dating, take a moment to rediscover who you are and what makes you happy.  Sometimes, people lose their own identity when they are in a marriage because they spend so much time trying to please their spouse that they forgot to focus on themselves.  After your divorce, start by taking a solo trip to a new destination that you have always wanted to visit but never had the opportunity.  Furthermore, take the time to discover new hobbies and try new things. 

Take Things Slow

Once you do start dating, remember to take things slow.  It would be pointless to go from one bad relationship to the next. Really take the time to get to know your future partner and determine if their values, lifestyle, and beliefs align with yours.  Also be aware of any red flags and do not ignore red flags when you first see them; the situation will only get worst once you are in a committed relationship.  

If you are considering divorce in Manhattan and need assistance, contact Sabra Law Group today at (646) 472-7971.  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Handle Post-Divorce Child Custody Conflicts During the Pandemic

Post-Divorce Child CustodyThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed virtually every aspect of life. It should come as no surprise, then, that those changes have extended to post-divorce child custody. While the agreements made by former spouses during the divorce process were almost certainly made with the best interests of the child in mind, the truth is that the pandemic has no respect for such agreements. As such, there are a few basic steps that should be taken to ensure a safe and effective custody arrangement during these trying times.

While difficult, the first thing to do is to be realistic about how the pandemic is going to impact your custody arrangements. A parent being quarantined may cause one party to lose his or her visitation time, so an alternate arrangement should be found if possible. Likewise, changes in the availability of travel or childcare will have to be looked at to determine how the child's routine will be changed. These changes will be quick and often difficult, but it will be up to the parents to ensure that they are navigated as smoothly as possible.

If communication between the parents is possible. it is often a good idea to make a parenting plan for COVID-19. This will include both the steps that both parents will take to keep the children safe as well as basic steps that can be taken when unusual circumstances occur. Referring to this agreement can help the parents to better adapt without having to hash out the argument every time the situation changes.

With this said, there will be times when disagreements occur, and steps may need to be taken in order to keep the children safe. While in-person mediation is unlikely to occur in many areas, mediation through teleconferencing can be an effective way to allow both parents to have their say while still allowing a third party to mediate the situation. In those situations when a compromise is impossible, it may be necessary to go to court in order to have the custody arrangement temporarily changed in order to better navigate the new reality of COVID-19.

There is no easy way to co-parent during COVID-19 but there are steps that you can take to simplify the process. Try to be realistic about the situation and make whatever compromises you can, but make sure that you're willing to work to ensure that your child is kept as safe as possible. If you are dealing with a post-divorce child custody issue, make sure to contact the Sabra Law Group at 646-472-7971 to get the help you need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Cope with the Mental Anguish of Divorce

Mental anguish of divorceDivorce is never easy, even when you know that it's the right thing for you. You may be plagued by feelings of doubt and remorse. Perhaps you'll even experience moments where you wonder if getting divorced is a mistake.

The mental anguish of divorce may seem endless, but with coping strategies, you can begin to change your perspective. The first step is acknowledging that you're going to experience a huge range of emotions throughout the process. While these emotions can be intense, they also are normal. Similarly, your feelings are not permanent. They will change, and this is ok too. Venturing into unknown territory always involves discomfort.

Another way to cope with the mental anguish of divorce is to use good self-care practices. Spend some time reflecting on what makes you feel better in this difficult time. Do you like to soak in a hot bath? Sit back with a cup of tea? Play basketball with your kids? Take a long hike in the wilderness? Whether you want to spend time with supportive friends and family or take a few hours for yourself, it's important to regularly engage in activities that are all about taking care of yourself.

It also makes sense to avoid fighting with your soon-to-be-former spouse as much as possible. Productive discussions and negotiations are fine, but as soon as the interaction veers into the territory of an argument, it's time to disengage. Fighting is almost always counterproductive at this point.

In the interests of taking care of yourself and avoiding fights, another way to improve your mental outlook is by choosing to mediate your divorce rather than litigating. Mediation is less confrontational and far more collaborative. Rather than fighting over every small decision, mediation gives you and your family a chance to heal and make helpful, healthy choices.

Additionally, mediation tends to resolve issues and the divorce process far more quickly than litigation does. The upshot is that your family is able to move forward more efficiently. This may go a long way toward soothing your mental anguish so that you can develop a more hopeful outlook.

If you are looking for help coping with the mental anguish of divorce, then contact the Sabra Law Group at (646) 472-7971. These legal professionals will guide you through the mediation process so that you can move on with your life.

 

 

 

 

                                                      

 

Life After Divorce Can Be Fulfilling if You Take the Right Steps

life after divorceOne of the reasons that most people put off divorce is because they are scared to be alone; they are also scared of what their life may look like post-divorce.  However, life after divorce doesn’t have to be lonely or boring.  

 

If one of your biggest fears of getting divorced is loneliness, consider adopting or fostering a pet.  There are so many pets in animal shelters that need a loving home, and in return have so much love to give.

 

5 Reasons Getting a Pet Can Make You Feel Better After Divorce

 

  1. A pet gives you a sense of purpose
  2. Pets help reduce stress and anxiety levels
  3. Taking care of a pet takes the focus off of you and your problems
  4. If your pet happens to be a puppy/or dog, it forces you to get out of the house for daily walks which promotes a healthy lifestyle
  5. You won’t feel as lonely because your new pet will cuddle with you and want to play with you

 

If you are still feeling a bit lost or sad even with a pet, there are other things that you can do to heal from divorce.

 

One of the most important things is to practice self-care.  Self-care means putting yourself first and remembering to take care of yourself.  Self-care can incorporate many different aspects: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.   Self-care also means knowing who to let in your life and who to keep out (negative people).

 

There may be days when you don’t feel like doing anything or getting out of the house and those are the days when you need to think of what makes you happy; then go do those things.

 

Some Activities that You Can Do to Improve Your State of Mind Are:

 

  1. Yoga/Exercise/Walk
  2. Go to the spa or have a spa day at home
  3. Order food from your favorite restaurant or cook your favorite meal
  4. Watch a funny movie or funny videos
  5. Take a road trip (by yourself)

 

With the right planning and preparation, divorce can be a positive experience.  Think of divorce as a new opportunity to truly discover yourself and fall in love…with yourself.

 

If you are contemplating divorce and have questions about divorcing in New York, contact Sabra Law Group today at (646) 472-7971.

 

 

 

 

 

The Importance of Taking Care of Your Health During and After Divorce

Health After DivorceEveryone knows that divorce can be one of the most stressful life events that one can go through.  Because the stress of divorce can take a toll on your mental and physical health; it is important to have a plan in place to ensure that your health is not sacrificed during a divorce.

 

3 Ways to Guard Your Health During and After a Divorce

 

Once you really dive into the details of what is involved in getting a divorce, it can leave you feeling tired and emotionally drained.   Just the thought of having to deal with child custody, finances, and living arrangements is enough to trigger anxiety in many people. 

 

One of the best things you can focus on and do have control over is your diet and nutrition.  It is best to be mindful of what you are putting in your body during and after divorce.  Even though the easier option is to eat fast food rather than cook healthy meals; acknowledge that your body will pay the price for eating badly.   Today, there are many options for healthy eating such as meal plans, meals that literally cook themselves in an instant pot, meal prepping, or making smoothies at home with fresh fruits and vegetables.  Whether you have time to cook or not, there are many options out there depending on your unique needs.   It might even be beneficial to consult a dietitian who can help you plan out high energy meals. 

 

The second thing that you can do is to focus on building up your self-confidence by focusing on your health goals.  For some people, that may mean getting back in the gym 3-4 times a week, for others, it may be taking a yoga or meditation class, and perhaps even a dance class. Exercise and meditation are an incremental part of a healthy lifestyle and keeping your energy levels up and your stress levels down. 

 

The third thing that you can do is to set new habits.  Since divorce will force you to make changes in your day to day life; it also makes sense to use this opportunity to set new healthy habits for yourself.  This means that you need to take time out for yourself (or make time for yourself).  It means you have to determine what activities make you happy or make you feel energized and then make time to do those things.  Whether that means you want to take a cooking class, dance class or join a sports club, do something that you are excited about.

 

If you are currently in the process of divorce and need legal assistance, contact the Sabra Law Group today for a confidential consultation at (646) 472-7971.

 

 

How to Recover from Divorce and Get Healthy Again

Recover From Divorce and Get HealthyDivorce can take a serious toll on your emotional, physical and spiritual health.  In some cases, divorce is mutual and it doesn’t come as a complete shock.  In other cases, divorce can come as a complete shock and leave you devastated.    

 

It is much easier to absorb the news of divorce when you know that your marriage has been in trouble for years, however, when divorce comes out of nowhere; it is very difficult to take in and recover.

 

Here are some tips below to help you get back to normal and feel healthy again, both emotionally and physically.

 

  1. Maintain Healthy Eating Habits:  Make sure you are eating breakfast every morning.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day that fuels your energy.  Do not skip meals because you are trying to lose weight or too busy to eat.  Be cognizant about the type of food you consume and do not resort to fast food just because you don’t have time to cook.  There are many pick up and go healthy options at local grocery stores and prepared meal stores.

 

  1. Drink Plenty of Water and Fluids:  Water is essential for physiologic health.  It also helps aid digestion.  You can also try coconut water that has electrolytes and potassium.  It you do not like drinking plain water, consider making a pitcher of fruit infused water. You can experiment with lemons, oranges, cucumbers, strawberries or other flavorful fruits.

 

  1. Get Enough Sleep:  You probably have a good idea of what your body requires in terms of sleep.  Some people can get by on 4-6 hours of sleep, whereas; others need 6-8 hours at a minimum.  One pattern you want to avoid is oversleeping as that can leave you feeling sluggish and tired.

 

  1. Try Meditation or Yoga: Because dealing with divorce is highly stressful, incorporating physical activities that can help you de-stress and maintain inner peace will be helpful and comforting.  For instance, try meditating once or twice a day for a few minutes.  You can try the Headspace app or Calm app to help guide you through relaxation and meditation. 

 

  1. Exercise:  Exercising means different things for different people.  Depending on what type of exercise you prefer, there are many options available.  You can try walking, jogging, bicycling, going to the gym, taking a dance class, or even kick-boxing.

 

If you are in the beginning stages of divorce, contact Sabra Divorce Mediation for assistance with your divorce process at (646) 472-7971