If you’re going through a divorce, you’re probably wondering what’s in store. There are many common misconceptions floating around television and gossip columns that portray divorce as this vicious battle between two extremely petty parties. This can be the case depending on the people involved but it doesn’t have to play out like a battle royal. How you handle the divorce proceedings is completely up to you.
Divorce Advice: Things to Know About a Divorce
There is no “winner” in divorce. In most cases, separate elements of your mutual life will be broken down and compartmentalized so they can be divided evenly and fairly. For example, if you’re granted sole custody of your child you’ll probably receive less spousal support as a result. This is a carefully constructed system that usually involves both parties losing something they really loved.
You might be forced to make quick decisions that impact your entire life when going through divorce. Maybe your spouse’s lawyer offers to sell the home with a 50/50 split. In the spur of the moment, you might be inclined to take that offer in fear of a less tempting alternative later. You need to take the time to thoroughly think these important decisions.
Many couples focus on the past and let that affect their future when they go through the divorce. The key is to think about your future. While you may have unresolved issues with your spouse now, you should do everything in your power to work through these issues and have your divorce go through as smoothly as possible. Remember, you’re going to have to live with these decisions, so it’s best to try and make everyone happy in the end.
One of the best pieces of divorce advice is to consider avoiding the court system altogether and seeking mediation with your attorneys instead. Here, you have the opportunity to work outside the court, which can be a drawn out process, and divide up your assets on your terms.