by Flora Garcia-Sepulveda

Family Law, Divorce MediationOctober 22, 20200 comments 0 Likes

8 Tips for Having an Amicable Divorce

Going through a divorce is a difficult process, but if the divorce is amicable, that makes things a little easier to bear.

The reasons for a divorce are as varied as the personalities of the individuals going through the process, and these factors can make having an amicable divorce difficult. But there are ways of ensuring the process goes smoother.

• Learn about your state’s divorce process
• Hire a knowledgeable family law attorney
• If children are involved, always consider the child’s best interest
• If child or spousal support is involved, be honest about the earnings
• Maintain open and honest lines of communication (mainly through your attorney)
• Don’t be afraid to compromise
• Don’t give yourself over to your emotions
• Don’t assume that an amicable divorce is impossible

1. Learn About Your State’s Divorce Process

Every state has their own specific guidelines around divorce proceedings, and it is useful to learn yours and ensure that they are followed.

2. Hire a Knowledgeable Family Law Attorney

In a divorce, a good attorney is a must. They will be familiar with the provisions in your state and will be able to facilitate communication between you and your spouse to help the process move along smoothly.

3. If Children are Involved, Always Consider the Child’s Best Interest

It’s important to remember that the divorce process takes a toll on children, too. When making custody arrangements, bear in mind the needs and even the wants of your children. An attorney can help you with this. But no matter what, always speak respectfully about your spouse around your children.

4. If Child or Spousal Support is Involved, Be Honest About the Earnings

In order to have an amicable divorce, it is important to be forthright about the division of assets, including money. If there is child or spousal support to be given, don’t threaten to withhold the funds.

5. Maintain Open and Honest Lines of Communication

Part of being amicable is communicating. In a divorce process, the most important part about communicating is being respectful. Your attorney is the best way to synthesize any inflamed emotions and ensure that your spouse ultimately gets the message you wish to say.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Compromise

In a divorce situation, it’s normal and acceptable to want what you want, but part of being amicable is conceding to a little bit of what your spouse wants. Keep yourself open to the idea of tweaking financial and custody arrangements.

7. Don’t Give Yourself Over to Your Emotions

In any stressful situation, it is advantageous to all parties to keep a cool head. The calmer you are, the more amicable the divorce may be.

8. Don’t Assume That an Amicable Divorce is Impossible

Amidst the pain of a divorce, it’s tempting to think that a good solution can ever be found. If both partners are willing to put in some effort, with a little help from their attorneys, the process can be completed without litigation.

Divorce is unquestionably difficult, but if it is amicable, the situation can be made just a bit easier. Websites can offer effective strategies, but the most effective strategy is making an honest effort.