by Janita Pannu | Jan 11, 2022 | Uncategorised
Coronavirus pandemic is affecting many families in ways we could never have predicted, and this has a significant financial and emotional impact. Families, especially those undergoing a separation or divorce, are now accustomed to the pandemic throwing curveballs every three or four months. This is no different with the Omicron variant affecting divorcing couples.
Here are just a few of the many negative impacts COVID-19 has had on our everyday lives:
- During this time, many children will be home from school for weeks rather than months.
- A large number of people are working at home for the first time, or worse, losing their jobs.
- Many fear that the economy will not bounce back for some time.
- “Stay at home” orders and “Curfew” are in effect in some provinces.
- Anxiety and unrest are certain outcomes. The perfect storm for stress exists even in the happiest of households.
Should I Be Concerned About the Omicron Variant?
As a result, health organizations have been alerting the public that Omicron is spreading new COVID-19 infections around the world-particularly in places with low vaccination rates.
However, experts say there’s no need to panic despite the rising COVID-19 numbers as vaccination is available to everyone from ages 5 to 19, booster shots are available to those 16 and older, and health officials know how to prevent the spread of this virus.
Even with widespread frustration and concerns, this is the time when it is even more important for you to keep your children from being drawn into divorce and court battles. The following tips will help you do just that:
1) Stabilize yourself
It is vital to keep calm in the home during the current Coronavirus outbreak, as temperatures may literally rise and the virus may result in closer quarters or even quarantines.
2) Improve your co-parenting skills
Make sure you maintain the relationship between your children and their other parents. Keep your tone neutral and your children’s interests at the forefront when you speak with your ex-spouse.
3) Being transparent is important
Make sure that you and your child are transparent about where you are staying, especially if you are quarantined or self-isolated. That means that the other parent must be notified before traveling, regardless of whether it is by car or airplane.
4) Communication is key
As a result, you may have to talk more about your children’s health, emotions, and homeschooling than you usually do. In order to accomplish this, you must include the other parent in your conversations.
5) Know what you’re doing
Keep in mind that the court orders are still in effect, and remember to abide by the orders with regards to access, phone calls and FaceTime.
6) Flexibility is important
Changing the school schedule and dealing with medical issues may be necessary.
7) Be reasonable.
In a situation like this, a good safeguard is to consider what is in your child’s best interest.
To Conclude
It is important for you to remember that there are numerous resources available to you. A mental health expert who specializes in this type of issue may also be helpful in addition to working with a lawyer. During periods of high transmission, like the current Omicron surge, layer your defenses and reduce your household’s exposure to risk.
When you are going through these incredibly stressful times, you must make your children’s mental and physical well-being a priority.
Take care of yourself and stay healthy!
At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate the emotional and financial challenges of separation and divorce. Our office remains fully operational, and we have implemented various new procedures that allow us to continue to advise clients seamlessly during this time. If you have a family law issue that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain at 647-428-3919.
by Janita Pannu | Jan 4, 2022 | Uncategorised
The divorce process can feel frightening, stressful, and emotionally draining. Social media has become a trusted, compassionate, thoughtful source of emotional support for many people who are going through a divorce.
Using Social Media During Divorce, can offer a sense of belonging, validation, and comfort and mitigate feelings of anxiety. However, divorce and social media do not always mix well, even though social media can be a good coping strategy. Essentially, people can use Facebook and other social media channels in a way that negatively impacts the outcome of their divorce.
People going through a divorce make certain social media posts on Google and Facebook that can inevitably cause conflict and pain both in court and outside of court. Here are 5 tips for you to ensure your social media activity does not negatively affect your divorce proceedings:
1) Avoid Being Tagged In Inappropriate Posts Or Photos
Content published on social channels can be discovered. In other words, anything you post on social media can be viewed and considered in a court of law during a divorce. Be careful about making remarks about your partner’s new social life, drinking habits, avocations, and more. It’s fine to express these feelings and opinions, but if they’re posted on a social channel, they could create a conflict and complicate your divorce.
How can you prevent this? If you want your timeline posts to be hidden until you approve them, change the settings in Facebook. The request can be denied if you don’t like it. Additionally, you can modify your settings so that it won’t be possible to be tagged in posts on another person’s wall.
2) Do Not Let Children See The Content
Children, especially minors, deserve privacy during a divorce. During a divorce, children deserve your unconditional support and encouragement. Despite the fact that it may appeal to you or be positive to them, sharing content about them on social networks violates their privacy.
Due to the relatively new nature of social media channels in our society. we are not sure how long our published content will remain searchable. Consider so long as the content lives forever that you won’t have to explain to your children why you published what you published about them during your divorce.
3) Make Sure You Change Your Passwords
In a marriage, you often have to share everything. Including your phone, email, and social media passwords. Perhaps you simply have the login information for all of these accounts saved on your computer so you don’t need to log in whenever you want to see something. Therefore, anyone who has access to your computer can log into your account and see your page.
During the initial divorce stages, it is always recommended that access to social media pages, telephones, email accounts, and computers be changed or updated.
4) Avoid Discussing Your Case Online
In social media and divorce, the best rule is to never post anything when in doubt. Things you see and read online can be taken out of context and taken out of context by people. It is easy for the reader to interpret something you post online, which can cause problems in a divorce case.
Keep your divorce off of your social media feed when you are going through the divorce process. It is perfectly safe to tell people that you will speak to them offline or in person regarding the divorce. People will be quick to respect your wishes once you make it clear you won’t discuss your divorce on the internet.
5) Do Not Look Up Divorce Procedures Online
During a divorce, people consult the internet every step of the way. Despite the fact that reading about approaches online can be informative. I encourage people to speak with an experienced divorce lawyer to ensure they are receiving advice that appropriately fits their circumstances.
Even though people often read background information online and via social media. They should always realize that there is no substitute for helpful, focused counsel. When reading online, it is easy to assume that the information is true. However, this is often not the case.
To Conclude
We live in an era where social media is an integral part of our day-to-day lives. Additionally, social media can be a great way to stay in touch, learn news, enjoy, and stay connected. These are some positive aspects of social media.
Finally, one last rule on social media and divorce. You do not have to delete your social media accounts. But whenever you post anything on a social media channel, think, the judge saw this, would it hurt my case? If the answer at all is yes, refrain from posting. Social media is a channel through which you broadcast your life. Even though that might be acceptable under certain circumstances, it is not acceptable during a divorce.
At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate the emotional and financial challenges of separation and divorce. Our office remains fully operational, and we have implemented various new procedures that allow us to continue to advise clients seamlessly during this time. If you have a family law issue that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain at 647-428-3919.
by Janita Pannu | Dec 20, 2021 | Uncategorised
Experiencing a divorce can be one of the most stressful times in one’s life. Especially for children who are still developing mature coping mechanisms, divorce can present serious challenges; this is why supporting them through a divorce is so important. Many parents don’t realize the unhappy feelings of their children because they aren’t adept at expressing them.
In addition to the stress of divorce, kids often have other worries, such as school disruptions, and news. As a result, we have seen a troubling spike in mental health crises including depression, and anxiety. Fortunately, divorce can be a real blessing for kids if they have parents who are supportive.
These are 5 strategies that will help minimize the negative effects of divorce on children:
1) Peaceful co-parenting
Let your anger and intense arguments fester until you have time to be alone.
Despite how hard it might be, do not lash out at your children. Be cautious about displaying overt hostility by threatening or screaming. The emotion that you put out there for your kids is a sponge, and they will soak it up, taking it personally even if it is not intended for them.
The secret to effective co-parenting after divorce is to encourage your children to spend time with their other parents. These four tips will make transitioning between homes easier for your children.
- Tell your children a few days before the transition that they will be spending time with their other parents. In this way, they can anticipate and adapt to change.
- Try to establish a routine for daily life in each home. Ensure mealtimes, bedtimes, etc. Are the same in both houses as much as possible.
- Organize in advance so that your child can bring items that are important to them to the new residence.
2) Don’t put your children at risk
It may be difficult to restrain your emotions when a marriage dissolves. Unresolved relationship issues can be further complicated when upset, disappointed, or betrayed feelings are still fresh.
Children shouldn’t witness you arguing with the other parent. If you know your partner’s emotional triggers and insecurities, you can hit where it will hurt the most when you are both in the heat of the moment and hurling accusations you know to be false.
Seeing these quarrels increases your children’s perception that their crumbling family is turning into a disaster – causing them anxiety, fear, and depression.
Explaining the situation calmly, rationally, and without ascribe, any blame will only lead to frustration and resentment. If you feel resistance when you are speaking, stop and wait until another time.
It is best for your kids to work out your emotional issues with a therapist and your legal issues with a lawyer or mediator – and don’t fight in front of them!
3) A consistent approach
Children thrive on routines and to the extent, you can preserve continuity in their lives, that will make the divorce easier on them.
You must also stay consistent with discipline as well, and not allow your own guilt to let children take advantage of you. As hard as it may be, follow through with consequences and you’ll be doing your child a greater favor than if you let them slide.
In order to be consistent, parents must have self-discipline. As a result, discipline will probably be most difficult when you are consistent with your child. If you maintain consistency, you will promote your child’s growth and maturity as well as your own.
4) Practice coping skills
This may be a case where you would benefit from taking a course on parent education.
Irrespective of whether we are custodial or not, we want to impart values and morals to our children. In the absence of collaborative parenting, divorced parents fail to teach their children anything other than conflict and power struggles.
Educating children on age-appropriate coping skills can give them avenues to vent their feelings and behaviors in a healthy, constructive manner. Furthermore, kids are empowered and feel less helpless when they learn to deal with changes on their own.
5) Make sure that you are reassuring
In a divorce, children may experience abandonment issues. Make sure they feel safe and secure. Quality time with children is invaluable.
Reassure children on a regular basis that life will go on, that you love them, and that their presence is valuable to you. Be honest with yourself, but make sure your words are framed in a way to minimize the impact on others.
Ensure that you communicate positively with your child, showing interest in their schoolwork, friends, hobbies, and activities.
In order to minimize the long-term effects of divorce on your child, you should maintain a healthy relationship with your child and spend quality time with him or her.
To conclude
Divorce has most commonly been associated with negative effects on children, but recent research suggests that parents can reduce conflict between them and increase communication (between them and with their children).
At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate the emotional and financial challenges of separation and divorce. Our office remains fully operational, and we have implemented various new procedures that allow us to continue to advise clients seamlessly during this time. If you have a family law issue that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain at 647-428-3919.
by Janita Pannu | Dec 13, 2021 | Uncategorised
During this holiday season, you may be feeling emotionally bruised and frightened if you recently divorced or are in the middle of divorce proceedings. You might be feeling loneliness, self-doubt, judgment, and regret over not celebrating the holidays with your children and former family members.
There are arguments waiting to happen in every conversation, and the pandemic adds even more pressure to relationships that are still intact.
Regardless of the time of year, divorce is an emotional and life-altering event. In addition to the cold weather, fewer daylight hours and more clouds will force families to spend more time together rather than shuffling children from one parent to the next.
In order to be prepared for Christmas, these tips will help you survive the holidays during family law proceedings.
1) Be patient
The holidays can even be stressful at the best of times. Nevertheless, when it’s your first time celebrating the holiday season on your own, it can be hectic. The holidays can seem overwhelming for the first time! When going through a divorce, there are so many things going on emotionally that the added tasks, events, and schedules of the holidays may seem too much.
While you are navigating the holiday season, be patient with yourself, your kids, and your other family members. Your very first holidays after a separation or divorce are likely to be very different for you, and a little patience will go a long way toward making them more enjoyable than you might imagine at this point.
2) Establish Boundaries
In order to maintain your emotional and relational health, setting boundaries is always important. It is nevertheless absolutely essential to do so around the holidays if you wish to survive the holidays intact.
Start by letting friends, family, and even your ex (if you’re still in touch) know what your preferences are. Would you prefer to avoid certain gatherings? Would there be any topics at the dinner table you prefer not to discuss? Make sure you communicate boundaries in advance. As a result, your friends and family will be more understanding of your needs at this time.
3) Create New Traditions
The holidays are a time for celebration, usually in fairly repetitive and similar ways. While facing difficult times, some of these traditions can be comforting. At the same time, they may serve as painful reminders of your divorce. To avoid this, you may want to make some new traditions.
For Example, You might plan a social gathering with friends, cook a special holiday meal, or visit a family you haven’t seen in a long time because you have traditionally visited your in-laws.
4) Volunteer
Taking your mind off your own problems through giving and helping others has been proven time and again. Post-divorce holiday stress can be temporarily relieved by this temporary medication.
Research local volunteer opportunities if you aren’t already connected to an organization in need of help during the holiday season. Furthermore, you can also search for opportunities in your church, synagogue, or community center. Be sure to plan ahead if your organization requires you to register or go through an orientation beforehand. Feel free to bring a friend, bring your children, or serve on your own.
5) New Year: New Life
We are just a few weeks away from a new year. Take action to start the new year off right. Embrace new opportunities. Try something new. Keep moving forward! Empowerment and positive change are taken by small, actionable steps.
All things pass. The holidays will be over soon. You will survive the holidays during divorce. Ultimately, it’s how you deal with the holidays that will determine your happiness. What makes the greatest difference in your life is how you handle life’s challenges.
At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate the emotional and financial challenges of separation and divorce. Our office remains fully operational, and we have implemented various new procedures that allow us to continue to advise clients seamlessly during this time. If you have a family law issue that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain at 647-428-3919.
by Janita Pannu | Dec 6, 2021 | Uncategorised
Divorce is a painful process, as anyone who has gone through it can attest to. There is pain and grief involved with the end of a marriage. Even after the legal process has concluded, the divorce stays with you. Often, people wonder what could have been done differently to save their marriage, where things went wrong, etc. These issues can affect people all the way through their lives. It is very important for you to comprehend emotions during a divorce in addition to the reasons you may feel troubled during this time.
In order to understand what causes you to feel so troubled in the wake of divorce, let’s review why you feel like you do. It may not make the process easier, but it will at least provide some clarity.
Here are some reasons why you may feel distressed during a divorce:
- The pain of letting someone go whom you spent so much time with and invested so much of yourself into can be especially intense.
- Even so, after spending years together, there is no doubt a special bond still exists. Even if the marriage was dismantled due to anger, fighting, or other reasons, that bond remains.
- Together, you shared a lot over the years. Separating will rarely be pleasant. The mere thought of it is sure to strike fear in the heart of anyone.
- You will change your daily routine and lifestyle, which is perhaps the biggest reason. A lot of the changes will be new to you. You will find them challenging and stressful.
Emotions during a divorce: 6 Stages
It is important to remember that we are all unique. There is a possibility that these emotions will manifest themselves in order all your own. However, these are all perfectly normal emotions during a divorce. This process has been experienced by others before you and you won’t be the last.
1) Denial
It can be challenging to accept a divorce, especially if you are in the midst of it. In this situation, it’s easy to blame yourself for your inability to resolve the marriage problems on your own.
As a result, you may be overwhelmed and sent into a tailspin, drowning in thoughts and feelings that stop you from accepting the truth. It’s possible that you might even hope that something can be done to make things right again in the marriage.
2) Shock
Those going through a divorce tend to behave differently than they normally would. It is inevitable that getting a divorce will cause a severe storm of emotions in your mind, some of which will cause panic. The effect is more noticeable when one considers how many years have been spent on your marriage and family.
When you are hit by the shock of it all, you can become numb to it all. However, it can initially seem overwhelming. There are thousands of people who have come out with new lives from the process, and you can, too.
3) Contrasting Emotions
The hardest part of this process may well be this step. When you go through a major life event like divorce, you are bound to experience strong emotions. You can even go through a state of despair.
Trying to understand what has brought this event about may take up all your time. There may even be times when you are only thinking about what a failure your marriage and life have been. You may not be able to get through this emotional storm on your own. Reach out to someone who can support you.
4) Bargaining
No matter how bitter the divorce, at least one side will hope for reconciliation at some point. People are often willing to not only “make things work,” but also completely change themselves.
The most important thing to remember is that you cannot control other people’s feelings. Negotiations are the worst stage of a divorce in that they delay the inevitable and keep you from the harsh realities that are to come.
5) Letting Go
At this moment, the healing truly begins. You will come to a realization, no matter how hard it may be. It is that nothing you do or say will make your marriage work again.
Among the most important things, you will learn, is how you indirectly contributed to the breakdown of the marriage. In the best-case scenario, you might experience a sense of freedom. Additionally, you can become more optimistic about the future. Now you’re able to finally start moving forward with your life after divorce.
6) Acceptance
The road to emotional healing ends. As time goes on, you start to experience less and less negative emotions about the whole process. It may take years for you to reach this point. The process is unique to each person.
The most important thing is that you finally begin to feel like you can live a fulfilling, happy life. Growing through this phase usually takes a while. You will finally begin to grasp the idea that life can continue after divorce, and you will look forward to what awaits you.
At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate the emotional and financial challenges of separation and divorce. Our office remains fully operational, and we have implemented various new procedures that allow us to continue to advise clients seamlessly during this time. If you have a family law issue that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain at 647-428-3919.
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