November 21, 2019

Divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster for many separating couples. Because this process involves financial, lifestyle, and emotional adjustments, you may find yourself in constant conflict with your partner.

The good news is that you can plan for a healthy divorce by considering various elements. If you and your partner follow a cool, calm, and collected approach, you’ll be able to separate in an amicable manner, save costs, and keep the children relaxed.

Elements of a Healthy Divorce: Agreement on Child Custody

Child custody is one of the most contentious elements of divorce. Understandably, both parents would wish to care for their children without the inconvenience of a shared parenting plan. But the reality is that children grow better under the care of both parents.

If you and your former spouse are able to agree on a shared parenting plan, you can avoid costly court fees while providing a healthy environment for your kids. Furthermore, shared parenting plans are legally binding. Any parent who violates these plans can be taken to court.

Equitable Property Division

The financial element of divorce is another common cause of conflict. Many separating couples worry about financial repercussions and this tends to cause tension during the separation process. Divorce can be very expensive. However, following the wrong approach can be even costlier in the long run.

You can achieve a healthy divorce by practicing good faith with your partner. This means putting your cards on the table and revealing all assets, income, and debts that may affect your divorce. This information can help you agree on equitable property distribution, child support, and alimony.

If you have a higher net worth than your former spouse, you may feel as if your money is being misused. However, you should trust the process and work with a qualified divorce lawyer to ensure that all alimony/child support payments are going towards the right cause. Furthermore, the spouse receiving support should also be open and honest about their needs during and after the divorce.

Healthy Communication

Communication can help make a divorce easier. Ideally, you and your former spouse should maintain healthy communication channels to address all relevant issues. Healthy communication means listening to the other party, avoiding a combative tone, and being empathetic. Many issues surrounding separation are tough to swallow. This is why healthy communication can help you address complicated situations.

Start by thinking about the big picture when talking to your spouse. By prioritizing the needs of your kids and your long-term goals, you’ll find that focusing on minor details will increase tension unnecessarily. Always consider how the decisions you make today will impact you in the future.

Controlled Emotions

Making emotional decisions is an easy way of complicating your divorce. When communicating with your former spouse, minimize emotionally driven conversations, and take a level-headed approach. Keep past disagreements in the past and focus on you and your family’s well-being moving forward.

If you’re going through a divorce, an attorney specialized in divorce and family law can help you plan for a healthy process. Contact me today to discuss how to go about a healthy, tension-free divorce that aligns with your long-term goals.