Divorce, Custody, and Your Mental Health

29 Dec Divorce, Custody, and Your Mental Health

If you find yourself in family court, the reason behind it is many times one that can be a source of stress. Whether you are going through a divorce, figuring out or modifying custody, or splitting your assets, family court can have a negative effect on your mental health. A new chapter is beginning and it can be an emotional time to navigate. Nurturing your mental health by seeing a therapist can be beneficial for a plethora of reasons.

Can therapy be used against me?

A fear surrounding attending therapy while going through a divorce is that it can be used against you in any custody proceedings. Generally speaking, you build a therapist-client relationship with your therapist that is confidential. The exception to this rule is always if you are going to harm yourself or someone else. In that case, your therapist must report it. When it comes to civil matters, in any proceeding where either spouse relies upon the physical, mental, or emotional condition as a part of their claim or defense, any record relevant to that can fall under the exception.

How therapy can help

Everyone’s support system differs. Regardless of what yours consists of, taking care of your mental health should be a top priority as you go through this process. Seeking help through therapy is an excellent way to do this. While attorneys are there as your advocate and fight for the best outcome for you and your family, they are not mental health professionals. In 2020, it was estimated that around 41.4 million adults in the U.S. received mental health treatment or counseling at some time in the previous year.^[1]

A therapist can help give you the tools that you need to work through any feelings of anxiety or depression that develop as you go through the process. It can also help you embark on what will be a new chapter of life.

Couples can also go through therapy together. Even though you and your spouse are splitting, going to therapy in some situations can help make the process more amicable for you both. Family therapy is also an option. When children are involved, this can help their emotional state as they go through this transition.

How an attorney can help

If you are involved in a divorce or custody proceeding, working with a family law attorney can be beneficial. Throughout any divorce, custody, or family law proceeding, family law attorneys are there as your legal advocates. While they are with you through this process as an advocate, seeing a therapist is beneficial for your mental health. If you have any concerns about seeing a therapist and your case, speaking to an experienced divorce attorney can help ease those worries. Navarrette | Bowen, P.C. has a team of experienced divorce lawyers that can help. Our main office is located in downtown Denton and you can contact us to set up a confidential consultation to discuss your circumstances and receive guidance.

^[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/794027/mental-health-treatment-counseling-past-year-us-adults/