Going through a divorce can be a difficult situation emotionally, financially, and legally. Divorce laws vary from state to state, so the entire process can seem awfully complicated for those who are not familiar with legal matters. Some aspects of divorce, like agreeing on child custody or dividing property, can be particularly contentious. In light of these, here are several tips on how to make divorce easier from a legal and emotional perspective:
Try to Communicate with Your Soon-to-be Ex
Divorce proceedings can get very costly and drag on for years when it goes to court. The easiest way to finalize a divorce is for both parties to come to an agreement regarding commonly contentious issues like child custody and property division. Once the petition for divorce has been filed, the divorce can be immediately finalized following any mandatory waiting periods if both parties are on the same page on everything.
Hire a Divorce Mediator
Divorcing spouses rarely get along with each other. So it’s highly possible that communicating nicely is not going to work. If this is the case, then hiring a divorce mediator is highly recommended. A divorce mediator is not another lawyer. A mediator is a neutral party that works with both spouses. A lawyer, on the other hand, would represent the interests of one spouse. A divorce mediator can help spouses negotiate the terms of the divorce. Divorce mediation will be much less stressful than court proceedings. Hiring a mediator would cost a fee, but it will be much less than what you would have to pay for prolonged divorce proceedings.
Hire a Lawyer that Specializes in Divorce
When hiring a lawyer, make sure you hire a lawyer that specializes in divorce. Cost concerns often make people hire generic lawyers who handle everything. Divorce lawyers would be very knowledgeable about divorce law in the state, which is always advantageous when making your case. Also, it’s recommended to hire a divorce lawyer in your county. Though the law is the same, the rules for divorcing can vary slightly from county to county. For example, if you are filing for divorce in Scottsdale, Arizona, hire a divorce lawyer in Scottsdale to make filing your case go smoothly.
Spend Some Time Learning about the Law
Divorce law can be complicated and unclear. But it’s recommended to learn at least a bit about the law that will soon end your marriage. Pay attention to things like child custody law or how property is divided. Knowledge will help you deal with your divorce proceedings better. You will no longer be in the dark about what’s going on.
Negotiate Child Custody Soberly
Agreeing on child custody can be quite difficult. But do not let emotions get in the way of deciding custody. The court will always prioritize the needs of the children above the parents. There’s no easy way to go about child custody if your spouse disagrees with you on how it can be handled. Knowing the law and obtaining the help of a mediator or a psychologist may help.
Divorce is never easy. Heeding the above suggestions, however, may help ease the burden.