Divorce is one of the most difficult transitions in life that a person may go through, especially when both parties are experiencing anger or hurt and children are involved.
How can you approach your divorce from a saner and more informed standpoint to make your split easier on you and your family?
Ensure Divorce Is The Best Option
Divorce is final. While you might think it’s the only option available for your relationship struggles, ensure a permanent course of action is the best option for your situation before moving forward. Most times friends and family members may push couples towards a split, though dealing with underlying issues may be enough to repair a relationship and save a marriage. Communication or financial struggles may seem devastating, but if you approach your difficulties head-on and work with professionals towards finding a resolution, you may rediscover the foundation of love and respect that your relationship was built upon.
If you’ve considered all options and are sure divorce is the best course of action, read on for additional factors to help your separation proceedings go as smoothly as possible.
Maintain Mutual Respect
Maintaining mutual respect with your soon-to-be ex may be a challenge depending upon the circumstances of your split. If there’s been infidelity, addiction or worse involved, your gut reaction may be to hire a lawyer who’s ready to fight in court and win at any cost – no matter how turbulent the impending litigation process.
However, a lengthy court battle will likely result in additional financial, emotional and physical strain, so consider the ramifications before proceeding. If at all possible, try to enter the divorce process with mutual respect and a shared desire to remain civil throughout. Though this may be challenging, it will save you and your children from additional unnecessary stressors throughout the proceedings.
Consider All Divorce Process Options
Ready to lawyer up and fight it out in court? It’s fairly safe to say that your divorce will be difficult and a less than smooth transition.
Consider the many process options available and ask yourself, what do I want my divorce to look like?
While many couples jump straight to court proceedings, you don’t have to defer to a judge to settle your divorce. There are other options available that may help you come out better, both financially and mentally:
Mediation: Reach a resolution or settlement outside of court by using a neutral third-party mediator to help both spouses come to a fair consensus and resolve their issues as cost effectively as possible. If mediation doesn’t achieve a resolution, parties can consider litigation as a next step.
Collaborative Divorce: In a Collaborative Divorce, both spouses, their lawyers and other professional team members (such as financial advisors and mental health professionals) sign a Participation Agreement pledging to work to resolution without litigation. This voluntary process ensures that proceedings are kept outside of court, helps both spouses maintain privacy and respect, and prioritizes their family and any children involved throughout the divorce process.
If you’re considering a Maryland divorce, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. The Law Office of Stuart E. Williams can provide the legal guidance and support you need through this difficult process. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case!