When couples decide to end their marriage, what once was a loving and exciting relationship can quickly devolve into a contentious and bitter battle.
However, even though negative feelings and raw emotions can surface, most people going through a divorce understand that working together – especially if they have children – will have the least impact financially, emotionally and physically.
Four considerations for a smoother process
Your first step should be to talk to an experienced family law attorney in Virginia. Your lawyer will work to protect your interests and achieve the best possible outcome. Once you decide to take that step, it’s also crucial to:
- Be sure it’s the right option: Most, if not all, relationships struggle from time to time. Be certain your marriage is over as divorce is a permanent step. You should not be pushed into it by family members or friends, even if they have good intentions.
- Maintain respect: Keeping your cool with a soon-to-be-ex can not only reduce the stress caused by divorce, but it can keep costs down by avoiding a lengthy court battle. Cooperation also goes a long way for reducing anxiety for your kids, both in the short-term and for a future co-parenting arrangement.
- Share goals: Parents often agree to put their children’s best interests ahead of their own and work to find common ground on a variety of issues, including custody, dividing marital assets and determining future support. Keeping an eye on the big picture helps maintain a civil and productive process.
- Consider all divorce options: No one hopes to find themselves in a protracted and acrimonious court battle. Many couples turn to alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or collaborative divorce, finding it leads to a better financial and emotional outcome.
Pursue your future dreams with purpose
Keeping emotions in check and focusing on a better future – instead of reliving a negative past – often gives people the resolve to strive for a more peaceful divorce. However, if your spouse refuses to cooperate and work toward the middle ground, your lawyer will aggressively protect your interests through litigation.
