If your marriage is no longer working and you file for divorce, you’re most likely looking for ways to resolve the case as quickly as possible. However, there are many things that you have to sort out with your spouse before the divorce is finalized. Things like property division, custody and spousal support often create disputes.
If you and your spouse can’t seem to agree on one or more divorce issues, the divorce will move to litigation. This is called a “contested” divorce. Unfortunately, litigation can prolong your divorce, drain you emotionally and increase the divorce costs — which is why most couples prefer to avoid it. If you want to keep your uncontested divorce on track, here are some tips:
Remain civil
Remaining civil when ending a close relationship may sound unrealistic due to the intense emotions involved. However, you should remember that being civil doesn’t mean being unemotional. Instead, being civil during the divorce process means being polite and courteous.
You can also prevent emotional reactions by avoiding subjects that trigger anger and outbursts. You can do this by keeping the purpose of your interactions in mind and communicating tactfully.
Seek a fair share
During a divorce process, you shouldn’t aim at winning. Going to negotiations with the attitude that you will win may make the divorce process difficult and could end up in court. However, you can make things easier by preparing a list of what you want in the divorce settlement. Remember, you may not get everything you want, but you can give up some things to get some.
Utilize professionals
Some divorce issues can become complicated, and you may think they can only be resolved in court. Fortunately, some professionals can assist with negotiations and help you set emotions aside.
Some of the professionals that you can consult include:
- A therapist to help you cope with your feelings about the divorce
- Appraisers to help you evaluate the value of the property that must be divided
- Financial planners to help you better understand the tax consequences of your decisions
If you want to avoid going to court during your divorce, aim for a cooperative approach toward the process. However, if you need help, consider seeking legal assistance.