Learning to Let Go

When two people have been in a long term relationship, much of what they own belongs to both of them as a couple. The same can be said for friends, but relatives are expected to side with those they are related to by blood. Even in marriages lasting decades, the divorced spouse is generally not welcome by their former in-laws. Learning to let go of property, friends and former family is difficult.

Many people find it is easy to let go of any relationships they might have formed with the family of their previous spouse, but there are cases where it can be difficult. If they were friends with a person before meeting their spouse, the friendship will often have to be sacrificed before they are able to let go of the emotional baggage. While it is very rare, some families are loosely knitted enough that a favorite aunt or uncle can remain even after the divorce.

When a divorce occurs, friends are often the ones who line up first to help the person they know. If a couple has made friends with another couple, they might decide it is best to stay out of it until the final papers are signed. Regaining this type of friendship might be impossible, but it often depends upon how contentious the parties are during the proceedings. If things go smoothly, another couple will generally choose one of the former partners to remain friendly.

Parcels of land are expensive, but many couples find ways to own their own home due to having two incomes. Signing away property for a former spouse can be a difficult proposition, and it should never be done without thinking through the consequences. Usually one spouse will not have the income to pay the mortgage or upkeep, so they should look at it as a burden they can leave behind. It will be difficult to begin again, but starting from scratch in this case could be a welcome change if viewed correctly.