Navigating financial matters during a separation is challenging and not for those who easily shy away from difficulties. Divorce often feels like preparing for battle, where the unexpected becomes the norm. You ready yourself for a significant conflict with your partner, bracing for potential emotional and psychological wounds. However, this scenario isn’t inevitable.
Working towards a friendly separation from your ex-partner can be taxing on both your emotions and mental state. Nevertheless, choosing a harmonious approach to dividing finances carries multiple advantages for your personal health, financial stability, and the residual connection with your former spouse. Here are four steps you can take towards an amicable divorce.
Do Not Attempt To Become Friends
When you imagine a friendly divorce, it’s common to envision a scenario similar to maintaining a friendship. However, transitioning directly from being married to being friends with your former spouse usually requires a period of adjustment before such a relationship can develop. Immediate friendship post-divorce isn’t typically feasible without some time apart.
Pursuing a cordial divorce doesn’t mean you must inquire about your ex’s daily life or invite them for meals. There’s no necessity to keep up with them on social media either. Many individuals discover that maintaining a peaceful relationship during and after the divorce process is more manageable when they ensure sufficient space between them.
Choose Lawyers Who Focus On Achieving Settlements
An exceptional lawyer seeks swift, cost-effective, and amicable solutions for all involved. As the client, you have the prerogative to steer your case as you see fit. Maintain regular communication with your attorney. Observe their actions to ensure they align with your interests and are making a concerted effort to resolve your divorce amicably. The Miller Law Group attorneys work to keep the mediation process constructive and minimize conflict whenever possible.
Your chosen attorney should prioritize early mediation in the proceedings. If your attorney’s objectives do not match yours, look for a new one. The ultimate aim is to achieve a satisfactory divorce conclusion that leaves all parties content.
Use Mediation Early
Mediation is mandated in many legal jurisdictions, indicating that you’ll likely participate in this process at some point. Given its inevitability, it’s beneficial to approach mediation with openness from the start.
Mediation is notably effective, with many divorce filing for divorce, immediately after filing, before the trial begins, or at any other point that suits your needs. It offers a path to resolve disputes with reduced expenses and stress. Engaging in mediation early and approaching the process with genuine participation is highly recommended.
Avoid Damaging Assets
Neglecting financial obligations or deliberately devaluing assets is a surefire way to turn your divorce into the most unfavorable situation possible. It’s not uncommon for individuals to let their mortgage payments lapse as a form of retribution against their spouse, yet ultimately, this action harms both parties and their children.
In efforts to hurt one another, divorcing couples may engage in destructive behaviors, but such tactics will not lead to any positive outcomes. Instead, they result in a drawn-out, costly, and bitter divorce process. Stay on top of your financial responsibilities and strive to maintain the value of shared assets. By both parties trying to do so, the divorce can proceed more cooperatively, swiftly, and friendly.
Endnote
Striving for a friendly divorce is a valuable aim. It will be appreciated by both your offspring and your finances. Even better, it can contribute to a longer lifespan and an enhanced quality of life for you. There’s no necessity for divorce to be an awful, stress-filled experience. By implementing these four easy steps, you’re taking significant strides towards achieving a smoother and more agreeable separation.