Divorce rates in the United States went down from 2.7 per 1,000 total population in 2019 to 2.3 per 1,000 total population in 2020. Although the reasons for this decline are not fully understood, it is speculated that the COVID-19 pandemic and its related economic instability may have played a role
Despite the decline in overall divorce rates, getting a divorce can still be acrimonious. Going through a divorce is never easy, no matter how amicable the split may be. If you find yourself in the middle of a divorce, there are some things you can do to help keep things civil.
Choose Your Attorney Carefully
When going through a divorce, your decisions will be crucial in shaping your future. One important decision is who to choose as your attorney. You need an attorney who understands the law and will fight for your best interests.
It is crucial to choose an attorney with experience with family law and knowing how to deal with divorce proceedings. Your attorney should be able to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions. They should also be able to negotiate on your behalf and protect your rights.
Be sure to interview several different attorneys before making your final decision. Once you’ve chosen an attorney, clearly communicate your wishes and expectations to them. You should also be prepared to listen to your attorney’s professional advice; they are the experts.
The choice of legal representation also depends on the situation. For instance, if abuse is present during the marriage, it may be best to choose a reliable domestic assault lawyer. If children are involved, you will want an attorney with experience with child custody and visitation issues. Choosing the right attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your divorce.
Have Realistic Expectations
You should have realistic expectations during divorce proceedings. It is easy to get wrapped up in the emotions of the situation and want everything to happen immediately. However, divorces can often take months or even years to finalize. Trying to rush the process can often lead to more frustration and conflict.
If you go into the process expecting to get everything you want, you’re likely setting yourself up for disappointment. Be prepared to compromise and be willing to concede on some points. Chances are, your soon-to-be ex-spouse feels just as strongly about certain issues as you do; being willing to compromise will help keep things civil.
Instead, it is vital to take a step back and remember that this process will take time. Try to remain civil with your ex-spouse and focus on what is best for your children. Having realistic expectations can avoid much of the stress and conflict that often accompanies a divorce.
Don’t Let Emotions Take Over
Keeping your emotions in check is essential when going through a divorce. If you allow yourself to get too upset, you may say or do something you regret later. This can increase tension and conflict between you and your ex-spouse, which can make the process even more difficult.
It’s easy to let emotions take over during a divorce, but try not to let that happen. Getting wrapped up in emotion will make things more complicated and jeopardize your chances of getting what you want out of the divorce proceedings.
The best way to deal with your emotions during a divorce is to find a way to express them safely. You may want to talk to a friend or family member or write in a journal. This can help you deal with your feelings and prevent them from impacting your decisions during the divorce proceedings.
It will likely lead to a smoother process if you can stay calm and rational during your divorce.
Prepare for Your Case
Divorce proceedings can be complicated, especially if they are contentious. Preparing your case as best as possible is essential to ensure the smoothest possible outcome. This means gathering all the necessary documentation and evidence and consulting with an attorney who can advise you on your legal rights and options.
You should gather all relevant documents, such as financial records, tax returns, and any correspondence between you and your spouse. Keeping a journal documenting any critical events during the divorce process is also a good idea. This can be helpful if there are later disputes about what happened.
If you have children, you must develop a parenting plan outlining how custody and visitation will be handled. This should be done with the help of a mediator or other professional.
Divorce proceedings don’t have to turn into a battle. Following these simple tips can help keep things civil and allow you to move on with your life more quickly and easily.
