Planning for a successful divorce

When you and your spouse decide to call it quits on your marriage, the way that you approach your divorce may make a huge impact on the outcome of the process and the difficulties you and your spouse both face along the way.

Divorce is rarely easy, but it does not have to be ugly, even if you find yourselves in conflict regularly. Usually, if you consider what you want out of your divorce carefully and prioritize appropriate behavior until the divorce finalizes, you can avoid many of the pitfalls that couples tend to encounter.

No matter why you choose divorce, it is rarely a good idea to be unreasonable with your spouse while you work through each portion of the divorce process. Even if you truly detest the other person or feel unsafe around them, there is usually a way to approach your divorce with civility. In most cases, keeping the process civil is an effective way to achieve your goals and avoid unnecessary conflicts that may make you appear unfavorable to a court.

If you have children, be sure to keep them at the center of your plans. Not only are child custody and care issues often the most difficult areas of conflict to resolve legally, but your children need a great deal of love and emotional support at this time. By focusing on giving your children the support they need, you not only help them, but you also improve your chances of winning the favor of a family court.

Do not make the mistake of pursuing divorce without proper legal help. Often, it is the things you don’t know that cause the greatest complications or cause you to lose important benefits or protections. Professional guidance from an experienced family law attorney ensures that you understand your rights and allows you to focus on your needs and those of your children.

Source: Findlaw, “The Divorce Process: Do’s and Don’ts,” accessed Dec. 27, 2017