For many, divorce is a fact of life. It affects at least half of all married couples. Divorce can be messy and difficult, especially if there are children involved. The New Year is a good time to reevaluate your relationship with your divorce. This may seem like an odd concept, yet it has plenty of merit for those who take it on consciously and in good faith. Better results are almost certain to follow for you. Below are some areas in which you could profitably ask yourself, “Could I be doing this better?” — as follows:

• Up your co-parenting game — Cooperative parenting is hard enough when parents are married to each other. During and after divorce, parents who have a good working relationship tend to have an easier time navigating trouble spots, including holidays, kids’ schedules, and financial arrangements.

• Stop badmouthing your ex — Everyone slips up sometimes, and lets off a little steam when dealing with a frustrating ex. But speaking ill of your ex to the kids is never justified, and it is always bad for children. The good news is, it’s never too late to stop. Rest assured, kids grow up and figure out their parents’ flaws all on their own. They don’t need your help.

• Get your papers in order — If you have not done so yet, take care of your estate planning needs. Update your will, health care proxy, insurance policies, and financial trusts to reflect your new status. If you have always filed your taxes jointly, ask your CPA for copies of the last two or three returns, so you have them on hand. Make a checklist of all documentation you once shared, including car registrations and passports, and make certain you have a copy of each.

• Practice self love — Parents who are divorcing generally do not take good care of themselves. You’ll be a better single parent if you make time in your day to exercise, eat a healthy diet, practice relaxation, and dress for success. Staying fit will have the added benefit of fighting off depression and seasonal winter blues.

• Practice forgiveness — Re-boot your emotional well-being by making a conscious decision to forgive your ex for whatever ways s/he may have caused you to suffer in your marriage. While you are at it, forgive yourself for all the ways you could have done things better.

 While you are renewing your commitment to a better divorce, make sure you are getting excellent legal advice throughout the process. A compassionate and skilled family law attorney can support your efforts to be the best divorced parent possible.

For more on how to create a great divorce, call the law offices of Hanan M. Isaacs, P.C, at 609-683-7400 or contact us online to schedule a reduced fee initial consultation in our Central Jersey offices in Kingston. We will listen to your facts, explain the law, and help you create a pathway to economic and social justice for your kids and you. Call today. You will be glad you did.