If you need to make important decisions, you should wait for at least one to two years following such a significant loss. This will give you sufficient time to process the death, go through the stages of grief, and regain some of your diminished cognitive capacities. You might consider therapy or counseling.

How long after a bereavement should you date?

There is no specific time frame for dating after the loss of a spouse. We all grieve differently and must respect our own process. Some will decide never to be in another relationship.

Can grief break up a marriage?

Even the best marriages can collapse under the stress of losing a loved one. More than intense grief, the loss of a loved one can have another unexpected effect on the marriage. Death can alter the way couples feel about each other. Couples may experience communication problems or intimacy issues.