Life doesn’t always work out the way we imagined it, and sometimes, we need to take a step back – even from our spouses. Nothing can make a separation from a partner pain-free, but if you know specific steps to help you through the situation, you can make the process easier, emotionally, financially, and physically. Working with experienced family law attorneys can help guide you through some of these steps.
Consider Mediation Over Traditional Divorce
To facilitate a smoother and less confrontational divorce process, consider mediation instead of traditional litigation. Mediation allows couples to work with a neutral facilitator who helps them make decisions about important matters: Housing arrangements, division of assets and debts, spousal maintenance, child support, and parenting plans, for instance.
Unlike in court-determined litigation, the mediation process allows you and your spouse to maintain control over those important decisions. This arrangement can also save you time and money, as court battles can drag on for months or even years.
Prepare Financially Ahead of Time for Divorce
If you opt for court-arranged separation litigation over mediation, the court will decide a number of factors, including the division of your marital property. Minnesota courts follow the principle of “equitable distribution,” which means they will try to divide the assets you shared in your marriage in a fair manner – which may not look like a 50/50 split.
Judges use several factors to determine a fair division of marital assets, including the length of the marriage, the health of the spouses, the income of each party, and each spouse’s future employment prospects.
To prepare for this process and put yourself in as advantageous a position as possible, collect all your bank statements, tax returns, mortgage documents, retirement accounts, and investment information accrued throughout your marriage. With this information, a financial advisor or forensic attorney can help you understand your financial situation and assist you in making informed decisions for your financial future.
Additionally, if you do not have credit cards or loans in your own name, consider applying for some to establish independent credit and create a budget to proactively manage your finances.
Communicate Wisely with Your Partner
The way you and your spouse communicate during your divorce can significantly impact the emotional toll, especially with children involved. Treat interactions with your spouse as you would a business colleague – be respectful, stick to facts, and avoid emotional triggers. Avoid a cold or dismissive demeanor to prevent your conversations from spiraling into arguments.
Consider using written communication more, as email or text can provide a record of agreements and reduce the chance of misunderstandings or emotional confrontations.
For particularly difficult conversations, consider using a mediator as a neutral third party to facilitate challenging discussions and keep them productive. Perhaps most importantly, shield your children from conflict. Never use them as messengers or middlemen, and protect them from witnessing arguments between you and your partner.
Achieving a Smoother Divorce Process with the Family Law Attorneys at Coodin Law Office, LLC
At Coodin Law Office, LLC Law Office, we have more than two decades of experience helping individuals and families obtain swift and positive resolutions to their separation arrangements. We offer personal attention, a compassionate approach to their cases, and a listening ear. Our family law attorneys understand that every divorce is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
Whether you’re considering mediation, need assistance with an uncontested divorce, or require representation for a more complex situation, we can help you. If you’re facing a divorce in Lake Elmo or Woodbury, contact us for a free consultation.