Divorce often gets a bad rap for causing financial hardship and disrupting plans for the future. However, what you may fail to see is the opportunities divorce can create.

Even if you never anticipated your marriage ending the way it did, using your circumstances to your advantage can help you determine your next steps. Here are some suggestions for ways you can turn your divorce into a positive experience.

Financial independence

During the course of your marriage, you may have shared financial responsibilities with your partner. Budgeting, paying debts and making large purchases are all tasks that you may have done together. According to U.S. News, you may experience profound financial benefits from divorce including greater returns on your investments, more flexibility to use your money the way you would like and a chance to plan and explore your financial goals without the influence of someone else.

This financial independence, particularly if your partner primarily controlled the money before, may enable you to experience freedom and flexibility. Even though you may need to split your assets with your former spouse, being able to view your divorce as an opportunity may help you push through the hard times as you rebuild your wealth.

Relationship lessons

Even if your marriage ended on a rough note, you probably learned some valuable lessons. Utilizing what you have learned, you can apply different strategies to future relationships. Your experiences may help you to prepare for stronger, more meaningful connections throughout the remainder of your life.

Given the legal complexities of divorce, hiring an attorney may alleviate some of your stress. A legal professional can help you optimize your resources so you can focus on rebuilding and improving your life.