An amicable divorce can save you money in court fees, and can reduce stress and tension. The latter can be especially important if you have kids. Minimizing the children's stress is always high on every parent's wish list for a trauma-free divorce. Here are some tips on how to achieve an amicable divorce.
Know Which Issues Will Be Most Contentious
Each couple knows which issues are the "hot button" ones. When people have significant assets as well as children, divorces tend to be more complicated. Notify your attorney about which issues you think might cause arguments, and he or she can create a plan on how to deal with them.
Consider Mediation
Mediation is one of the best ways to resolve conflict during divorce outside of the courtroom. Mediation allows you and your divorcing spouse to make agreements about what will happen to your property and your children together, rather than having a court make those decisions for you.
Understand that You’ll Have to Go to Trial if You Can't Reach an Agreement
Every divorce in Washington State has to be filed with the courts, and, technically, all divorces are “contested” even if both parties agree to everything. However, if you and your divorcing partner cannot agree to the conditions, your divorce case will have to go to trial. Going to trial can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful. Reminding yourself of this fact may help you to compromise early on.
Keep Emotions Out of It
There’s no doubt that getting a divorce is an emotional experience. Pretending that you are an uninterested third party will help you distance yourself from the experience and approach negotiations from a logical point of view.
The person who devolves into anger or tears during divorce negotiations can be seen as powerless or irrational. Because this is a law-related matter, approach it as businesslike as possible. If you don't think you can handle that right now, do as much communicating through your lawyer as possible.
Read our tips on how to deal with a combative ex-spouse.
Get an Attorney
Even if you’re pursuing an amicable divorce where you hope to reach an out-of-court settlement, you’ll need an attorney. An attorney can help you understand to which things you’re more entitled, what a fair division of assets looks like, and can negotiate for child custody, alimony, or assets on your behalf. In the event that your divorce can’t be resolved amicably and your divorce case goes to trial, an attorney can act as your legal representative before the court.
To meet with a divorce attorney today, call the lawyers at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny. Our attorneys are ready to get to work on your case today. You can reach our team at 425-460-0550.
