How to Deal with Trust Issues During the Divorce Process~ 2 min read

During a divorce, trust can be hard to rebuild, especially if dishonesty has been involved. It’s normal to feel uncertain about what to believe or how to proceed. Taking practical steps and focusing on clear actions, can help you move past these feelings and start to feel more secure again.

Start by Collecting Information

Knowledge is key when dealing with trust concerns. If you’ve been involved in managing your family’s finances, you may already have a good sense of the overall picture. If not, begin by gathering important documents like bank statements, tax returns, investment records, and credit card bills. Your attorney can help you review these materials and identify any gaps or areas that need further clarification. This process can give you confidence in understanding the financial details.

Ask Questions and Stay Engaged

It’s important to stay engaged throughout the divorce process. If something doesn’t add up in the documents or explanations you’re given, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your attorney can request additional records to clarify any issues. In some cases, they may need to subpoena information. While it may take time to gather the full picture, this approach helps you feel more secure about what is being shared.

Focus on the Facts

Trust issues can stir up strong emotions, and those feelings are valid. However, it’s essential to separate emotions from the facts to make informed decisions. If you find it hard to focus because of lingering hurt or anger, speaking with a therapist can help. A counselor can support you in processing your feelings so you can approach the practical aspects of your divorce with a clear mind.

Explore Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative Divorce can be a helpful path if trust has been damaged. In this process, a team of professionals works together to promote openness and transparency. A neutral financial expert will review financial records carefully and ask questions if anything seems unclear. A mental health professional can guide discussions and keep the process productive. With everyone working together, Collaborative Divorce offers a structure that fosters honesty and reduces suspicion.

Practice Transparency

If your spouse requests documents or records, providing them can demonstrate your willingness to be open. Transparency on both sides can help rebuild some of the trust that has been lost, lead to a more cooperative divorce process, and save your family the cost of having to subpoena the records.

Contact Family Ally

When trust is broken, it can feel like an uphill battle, but the right guidance can help you regain control. At Family Ally, we focus on providing the support you need to make clear, informed decisions throughout your divorce. Contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 to schedule a consultation. 

Family Ally is located at 130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 608, St. Louis, MO 63105.