No one enters their marriage expecting it to fall apart, yet it happens all too often. You may have heard that a divorce is one of the most challenging and painful experiences one can go through, but yours doesn’t have to be that way. There are options that allow you to have a peaceful divorce, including divorce mediation. By choosing mediation instead of litigation, you and your spouse can work out your own divorce agreement without the courtroom battles and all the stress and costs that come with it.
Once you’ve realized divorce is inevitable, there are two ways your divorce can go: 1) filled with contention, or 2) an amicable dissolution. Contested divorces are demanding emotionally and financially for everyone involved, but you can avoid that path by deciding to have a peaceful divorce. Although it won’t be easy, our attorney-mediators can help you achieve one.
As you prepare for an amicable divorce, follow these steps:
Step 1: Avoid blaming one another.
Whether you’re divorcing because you’ve grown apart or have become incompatible, blaming your spouse or vice versa for the downfall of the marriage won’t do anyone good. We understand that this is a less-than-ideal situation but placing fault will only hold you back instead of focusing on how you can separate amicably.
Step 2: Layout your goals.
What do you want to get out of your separation? Thinking about these big picture goals will help you stay focused when the time comes to decide on divorce terms. You will have to make significant decisions from asset division and child custody to support orders, and you don’t want to get wrapped up in less important details. Instead, stay focused on your priorities.
Step 3: Prioritize your children’s needs.
If you are getting divorced with children, and want to do so amicably, you’ll also need to put their needs first. Rather than being concerned about who “wins” and who “loses,” both parents need to work toward resolving issues in a way that doesn’t harm their children. One of the best ways to preserve their interests is by avoiding litigation. Making joint decisions for the good of your children also sets you and your spouse up for success as co-parents.
Step 4: Surround yourself with supportive people.
Self-care is a major component of the divorce process. This is understandably a difficult transition, and it’s okay to reach out for help. Lean on your friends and family for support, look into talking to a therapist, and discover new ways to find joy. When you can relieve tension and the emotional burdens of a divorce, the experience becomes much easier. You should also take this time to consult a legal professional. Finding trusted and compassionate legal counsel is crucial for having an amicable divorce.
Step 5: Strive for divorce mediation.
Some divorce lawyers only want to fill their pockets and advise their clients to go straight to trial, which is difficult for everyone involved. Your family will be pit against each other in an adversarial setting while spending thousands of dollars in legal fees. We recommend going down another path— one that’s focused on fairness and reaching a mutual agreement. Mediation can help you negotiate divorce terms under the guidance of a trained neutral third party, giving you greater privacy, efficiency, control, and convenience.
FairWell Family Law Mediation— The Path to a Better Divorce
The solution to your amicable divorce may be mediation. We at FairWell Family Law Mediation believe that the end of your marriage can be a positive experience. Our attorney-mediators are committed to finding you a solution that focuses on your best interests. Say FairWell to long, drawn-out litigation. Say FairWell to costly disputes. Say hello to a process focused on fairness and serving you well.
Call our team today at (320) 299-4249 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
