Preparing for Success as a Single Dad

Issues to Be Aware of During and After Your Divorce

Your divorce might seem like the end of the world. It signals the end of what you once thought would be a lifetime partnership with your spouse, and figuring out how to extract yourself from this broken relationship and build a new life on your own can be terrifying. The many legal and financial issues involved in the divorce process aren't easy to deal with, and once the ordeal is over, you might need plenty of time to fully recover.

Unfortunately, you probably won't have the luxury of taking a break from your life while you figure out the direction you want it to take. You've still got bills to pay, and you'll probably need to scramble to sort out where you'll be living and how to address the financial fallout of your divorce. In the midst of all this, you'll need to make sure you can continue to be the dad your kids deserve, providing the love and support they need, being fully present during the time they spend with you, and serving as an important role model. Here are a few of the things you should consider as you end your marriage and move on to your life as a single dad:

• Health and wellness - Don't let your physical, mental, and emotional health fall by the wayside due to the end of your marriage. By exercising, eating healthy, and taking steps to encourage your ongoing happiness, you can thrive as a single father and make sure your kids' needs are fully met.
• Your finances before, during, and after divorce - It's no secret that divorce is expensive. By taking steps to prepare for divorce before you begin the process, you can be ready for some of the financial troubles to come. As you begin establishing yourself as the head of an independent household, you can create a budget that will allow you to cover your ongoing expenses and provide for your family's needs in the years to come.
• Dating during and after divorce - Whether you've already begun a new relationship or are thinking of re-entering the dating game, you should be aware of how this could affect your divorce proceedings. After your divorce is complete, you'll want to understand the best ways to approach the introduction of a new partner into your kids' lives.
• Balancing work, life, and parenting - Managing a full-time job, the upkeep of a household, and parenting responsibilities can be difficult enough for a married couple, so as you can imagine, it can be even harder when you're single. Ideally, you'll want to find a way to be the best employee you can while making sure you have enough time for your kids and still setting aside time for yourself.
• Social media and divorce - In the 21st century, most everyone communicates using electronic devices, but some of these forms of communication are more public than others. You'll want to be aware of how what you share on social media can affect your divorce proceedings. Even after your divorce is finished, you'll want to do your best to avoid oversharing and instigating conflicts with your ex or accidentally divulging inappropriate details to or about your kids.

All of this might seem like a lot to handle, and there are myriad other concerns that will affect your finances, your kids, and your overall happiness in the years to come. Fortunately, by putting together a plan for success, you can be prepared for unexpected circumstances, and you can continue to be the great dad your kids need.