Divorce can be a complex and emotionally challenging process. Decision-making is stressful and emotions run high. It is important to remember that your actions throughout this process can not only affect your final settlement agreement, but also affect your family relationships. Rather than having regrets, below are some helpful tips during this time:
DO
• Do be reasonable and cooperative in decision-making. Respectful communication will lead to creative and positive options.
• Do follow all temporary court orders or agreements. It will help to ease conflict.
• Do confer with your spouse before selling or giving away property.
• Do fully disclose all assets and debts.
• Do support your children. Changing family dynamics is difficult for adult children as well as minor children.
• Do consider consulting with a child specialist to help keep a positive focus on their needs and interests.
• Do be upfront about your needs and interests. It will help to create options that are in the best interests of the entire family.
• Do take care of your physical, emotional and mental health. See a therapist if you need assistance.
• Do understand all of your process options. A court litigated approach is not the only way. Contact us to learn more.
DON’T
• Don’t lash out at your spouse or react negatively to their actions, especially around your children. Give yourself time before making major decisions.
• Don’t violate any temporary court orders or agreements.
• Don’t sell or give away property without your spouse’s mutual agreement.
• Don’t hide assets or withhold income from your spouse.
• Don’t involve significant others in your children’s lives too quickly. It can confuse your children and make them insecure. Introduce new relationships only when you and your children are ready.
• Don’t use your children as a pawn in order to get what you want and don’t make them pick sides.
• Don’t involve adult children in the drama. They are still your children and deserve to be insulated from parental conflict.
• Don’t defer to the past, it cannot be changed. Instead, look forward in deciding how to reshape your family.