Stay Out of Court

Whenever possible you want to stay out of court. Fortunately, there are several ways you can get divorced; the options extend far beyond a protracted battle in court. Some couples are able to sit down together without professional assistance and complete the paperwork from start to finish. Most people, though, need some type of professional guidance to help them navigate the process. Collaborative divorce and mediation are options for divorce that can avoid the need for litigation. Fighting it out in court should be your last option if all other avenues have been exhausted.

Understand How Divorce Works

Knowledge is power. Although you might decide to rely on professionals to help you navigate the process, you do need to understand the essential elements of how divorce works. You also need to have a full understanding of your financial situation so you are prepared to make decisions based on the options available to you. The more you can learn about the divorce process, the more you will be able to meaningfully participate.

Keep Realistic Expectations

Make sure to establish and keep realistic expectations throughout the divorce process. If either spouse goes into the divorce with the expectation that they will “get everything,” it will be very difficult to obtain a mutually agreed settlement. Compromise is key for a peaceful divorce. It is a good idea to give some consideration to where you are willing to compromise as you move forward through the process. Often, the degree of “entitlement” you may feel is emotionally driven. An attorney can explain the legal framework within which decisions must be made, but if you are finding that you are emotionally attached to a certain outcome, you might consider speaking with a therapist who can help you work through those feelings. One thing is for sure, you want to be as levelheaded as possible throughout the process, so taking time to deal with the emotional distress of the situation may be very important to help you keep realistic expectations.

Commit to Financial Disclosure

Transparency is crucial in the divorce process, especially when it comes to finances. In the collaborative process, the spouses commit in writing to provide full financial disclosure. A divorce can only be successfully resolved if you and your spouse lay your financial cards on the table. I. This will include preparing a summary of shared/community property assets and liabilities, as well as identifying assets or liabilities that may be separate property.

Sources:

1. Karen Covy, et al. “Divorce Without War: 30 Tips for an Amicable Divorce.” Karen Covy, 26 Dec. 2017, karencovy.com/divorce-without-war-30-tips-for-an-amicable-divorce/
2. WikiHow. WikiHow, WikiHow, 29 Mar. 2019, www.wikihow.com/Divorce-As-Peacefully-As-Possible

Collaborative Divorce Is a Peaceful Divorce Option

Divorce litigation can be emotionally draining for you, your spouse, and your children. But it doesn’t have to be that way with collaborative divorce. The collaborative process can result in a less expensive, more efficient, and less harmful outcome for everyone involved. The legal, financial, and communication professionals with Best Legal Choices can help you navigate this difficult time in your life.