Okay, so it might sound a little crazy to think that you can celebrate a divorce. But why not?! You’ve spent the past months or possibly years either settling or litigating your case so you deserve a celebration! Just make sure your divorce is actually final before you begin the celebration festivities.
One way to celebrate the newly single you is by taking time away and going on a “divorcation”. Whether it’s a trip with your best girlfriends or an adventurous getaway by yourself, traveling can help free the mind of all of the stress and emotions you have endured throughout the divorce. Spending time in warm weather will also help lift your spirits. And if you’re looking to mingle and meet new people post-divorce, a cruise might be the way to go.Another way to celebrate your divorce is to throw yourself a divorce party. This means inviting all of your friends and family who helped get you through what was arguably the most difficult time in your life and ordering a divorce cake…and yes, many bakeries are quite accustomed to this request.
If the divorce has left you with empty pockets then maybe a “divorcation” or big party isn’t the best choice. Instead, grab your PJ’s, a big bag of popcorn and find a comfy seat on the couch to watch one of the 10 best divorce movies of all time… Irreconcilable Differences, Stepmom, Liar Liar, Kramer v. Kramer, First Wives World, Waiting to Exhale, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jerry Maguire or Along Came Polly.
Celebrating your divorce also requires you to celebrate YOU and your newfound independence. Start by getting a new cell phone number or think about going back to school to get that advanced degree that you always wanted.
However, before you begin planning your divorce celebration, whatever it may be, you need to be sure that your divorce is actually final. In California, your marriage cannot be terminated until at least six months and one day from the date that you or your spouse served the petition for divorce and the court summons or when you/your spouse responded to the petition. However, your divorce does not automatically become final at the end of the six months. But rather, your divorce is final after the judge signs the divorce Judgment. The court clerk will then mail the divorce judgment to each spouse (or their respective attorneys) and the date that the judgment was filed will be stamped in the upper right corner.
If you are ready to get to the point where you can celebrate your divorce, then you need to start the divorce process now with an experienced attorney. Please contact one of our experienced attorneys and we can answer your questions regarding the divorce process and discuss your options regarding litigation, mediation and collaborative divorce. Nancy J. Bickford is the only attorney in San Diego County representing clients in divorces, who is a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) and who is actively licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Call 858-793-8884 in Del Mar, Carmel Valley, North County or San Diego.