Some people in Washington may not realize their marriage is in trouble until they are facing divorce. This may happen because the person has neglected the relationship, and unfortunately, by the time a divorce is looming, it may be too late to save the marriage. However, people should take steps to ensure it does not harm their performance at work as well.
First, people should take stock of their workplace and consider whether it would be helpful or harmful to discuss the issue with a supervisor or colleagues. While in some cases this can explain a drop in productivity, there are workplaces in which discussing such personal issues would not be appropriate. A manager may be unsympathetic, and in a particularly competitive environment, coworkers could be as well. Some people might be better off turning to friends for support.
One pitfall to avoid is falling into workaholic tendencies. This can seem like a way to escape the stress of divorce while also accomplishing a lot at work, but it is an addictive activity and ultimately harmful just like any other addiction. Instead, people need to deal with the divorce head on, making an effort to understand their spouse’s point of view as well as their own role in the marriage’s end. They should also forgive themselves and their spouse.
People are often able to reach a divorce agreement through negotiations with the help of their attorneys instead of going into litigation. This can be less stressful than going to court. Since Washington is a community property state, marital assets are supposed to be divided equally. If there are children, they will also need to make a plan for child custody. If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, that person may be required to pay alimony to the other.
