Can I Take Time Off During My Divorce?
You leave your personal life at home. There may be some vacation photos on your desk or a note from your kids hanging in your cubicle, but mentally, when you are at work, you’re all there. That was, until your divorce consumed more of your life than you anticipated. Between paperwork, court dates, mediation, and legal appointments—you can’t seem to escape. On top of the myriad of decisions and ultimatums running through your head, you encounter another important dilemma: Do you try to compartmentalize and let your work suffer, or tell your boss and take some time off?
When you put it like that, Gus, the answer seems easy.
Here are three reasons you should seriously consider cashing in some PTO during your divorce.
Your Divorce Deserves Your Full Attention
There are many moving parts during a divorce or dissolution; but also a lot of routine. Although your life looks like it may be changing entirely, day-to-day things may stay more normal than you think. Bills, responsibilities with kids, doctor’s appointments and everything in between will continue. The world will keep spinning. You will need to make sure you are on top of the changes happening but also the stagnant pieces, for everyone’s sanity.
Your Mind, Body, and Spirit Will Be Affected
Do not underestimate the toll that a divorce can have on your overall health. The drama of ending a union, the stress of dividing up assets, the guilt, the pain, and the joy can all impact your physical and mental health. Even more important is the health of any children involved. Removing even one stress point by taking time off of work can help you conquer your divorce, healthily.
Your Family Will Need You Now More Than Ever
Speaking of the kids, they will be going through this divorce with you. Protecting their mental wellbeing as much as possible should be the top priority for all parties involved. Especially in divorces involving changing custody arrangements, it is imperative to spend time with your children. Make sure they do not blame themselves, try to take care of you, or get exposed to the drama that can come with divorce.
You worked hard in your career to get to where you are. Protect your passions and perseverance by understanding when its time to step away. And once you’ve got a day free, schedule a consultation with a family law attorney who gets it.
C. Gustav Dahlberg is a family law attorney of 16 years and partner at Columbus, Ohio law firm, Babbitt & Dahlberg.