The Bledsoe Firm - December 2025

THE TRUTH ABOUT DIVORCE

5 MYTHS YOU SHOULD STOP BELIEVING

Divorce is often surrounded by confusion, fear, and plenty of misinformation. For anyone going through (or considering) a divorce, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what you hear from friends, social media, or even TV shows. But not everything you hear is true. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about divorce so you can approach the process with clarity and confidence. MYTH 1: DIVORCE IS ALWAYS A LONG, DRAWN-OUT LEGAL BATTLE. Many people imagine divorce as a months-long courtroom drama. While some cases can be complicated, especially when there are

disputes over property or custody, not every divorce has to go to trial. Mediation, collaborative divorce, and even straightforward agreements can make the process quicker and less stressful. MYTH 2: ONLY UNHAPPY OR ‘BAD’ PEOPLE GET DIVORCED. Divorce isn’t a moral failure. Relationships end for countless reasons: changes in priorities, communication breakdowns, or life circumstances. Ending a marriage can be a healthy choice when staying together is no longer beneficial for either party. MYTH 3: MOTHERS ALWAYS GET CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN. Custody decisions are not automatically awarded to one parent. Courts generally prioritize the best interests of the child, which can mean joint custody, shared parenting, or primary custody with either parent, depending on the situation. Fathers and mothers both have equal rights in custody discussions. MYTH 4: YOU CAN’T DATE OR MOVE ON QUICKLY AFTER DIVORCE. There’s no legal or moral “waiting period” for starting a new chapter in your life. While it’s important to handle co-parenting and personal healing thoughtfully, moving forward is both possible and healthy when you’re ready. MYTH 5: DIVORCE WILL RUIN YOUR FINANCES FOREVER. While divorce can have financial implications, planning and smart decisions can help you maintain stability. Many people successfully rebuild their finances, manage debt, and even start fresh with a secure financial foundation.

WHEN ‘WHAT IF’ WON’T QUIT HIT PAUSE WHEN YOUR BRAIN WON’T STOP TALKING

We’ve all been there: lying awake at night, replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or obsessing over things we can’t change. Overthinking might feel harmless, but when those thoughts keep circling, they can take a toll on your mood, energy, and overall well-being. So, how do you break the cycle? It starts with noticing what’s happening in your mind. Next time your thoughts go into overdrive, pause and ask yourself: What emotion is fueling this? Maybe it’s worry, guilt, or frustration. Recognizing the source is the first step toward loosening its grip. TURN DOWN THE MENTAL VOLUME. When your brain feels stuck on repeat, try redirecting your energy. Dive into a hobby, work out, learn a new recipe, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you. Shifting focus gives your mind a break and can help you feel more grounded. Breathing exercises also work wonders. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly, and take slow, steady breaths in and out through your nose. It’s simple, but it signals your body to relax and can help calm racing thoughts in just a few minutes. CHALLENGE YOUR THOUGHTS. Automatic negative thoughts (those instant, gloomy reactions) can trap you in “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. Write them down, seek a more balanced perspective, and see

if you can do anything about them. Taking small, thoughtful actions toward solutions can help quiet the mental noise. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist can give you a fresh outlook on managing those runaway thoughts.

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