Divorce is one of the most common family law issues in the U.S. It’s estimated that about 600,000 couples undergo divorce annually. While going through a divorce can be complex, having the proper knowledge can help make it as painless as possible. Whether you’re considering divorce or are already in the process, here are five things you need to know to help you get through it.
Understand the Different Types of Divorce
There are several different ways you can end your marriage, depending on the state in which you live. Each state has laws for divorce proceedings, and some states have more than one type of divorce available. The two most common types are contested and uncontested divorces—a contested divorce means that both parties do not agree on certain aspects of their separation. In contrast, an uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree without court intervention. Make sure to research what type of divorce your state allows before proceeding.
Hire a Professional Attorney
A professional attorney can make all the difference when navigating a divorce. They will understand all the legalities involved with filing for a divorce and help guide you through the process. An attorney will also advocate for your best interests during negotiations and ensure your rights are protected throughout the proceedings. Therefore, hiring an attorney who is experienced in family law and has previously handled similar cases is vital.
Mediation Can Help Resolve Issues Quickly
In many cases, mediation may resolve issues between both parties quickly without needing to go through a lengthy court battle. A divorce mediation service is beneficial because it allows both parties to come together with a third-party mediator who helps them reach an agreement with which they both feel comfortable. This process often takes less time than traditional litigation and is usually cheaper since there are traditionally no court costs associated with mediation sessions.
Prepare Yourself Financially Beforehand
The average cost for divorce is around $15,000 to $20,000, so going through a divorce can be costly, so it’s essential to prepare yourself financially beforehand by knowing how much money you need each month, how much debt you have, and what assets may need to be divided during the proceedings. Knowing this information ahead of time can help give you an idea of what kind of financial situation you’ll be in once everything is finalized so that any surprises down the line do not catch you off guard.
Don’t Let Your Emotions Take Over
Since emotions run high during divorces, it is essential not to let them take over entirely during negotiations or court proceedings. Keeping this in mind will help ensure that negotiations stay civil and amicable so that everyone involved feels satisfied with the outcome at the end of it all. If necessary, seek counseling or therapy services from professionals so that your emotional well-being does not suffer unnecessarily throughout this process.
Tips For Preventing Divorce
Divorce can be complicated, but knowing what goes into it before entering into one can make all the difference in getting through it successfully and amicably with minimal stress or hassle involved along the way. Additionally, there are ways you can prevent it from happening. Here are some of those ways.
Communication is Key
One of the most important things you can do as a couple is to communicate openly and honestly. That means discussing complex topics when they arise, setting healthy boundaries, and respecting each other’s opinions. Communication also means being willing to compromise when needed to meet both partners’ needs. When communication breaks down in a marriage, resentment can build up quickly and lead to divorce.
Make Time for Each Other
It can be hard to make time for each other in today’s busy world. But taking the time out of your day to connect with your partner is essential for a strong marriage. This could mean having regular date nights or simply carving out an hour or two each week just for the two of you. Couples must have time when they are not distracted by work or other obligations so that they can focus on each other.
Manage Conflict Wisely
Conflict will inevitably arise during marriages—the key is managing it wisely. That means being willing to listen without judgment, not holding grudges, and being honest about your feelings without attacking your partner personally. If couples try their best to work through conflicts respectfully and without resorting to name-calling or personal attacks, their chances of avoiding divorce increase significantly.
Divorce can be problematic for any couple. However, by being attentive to your partner’s needs and keeping the lines of communication open, you can work together toward building a healthy marriage that will last.
