Is War Avoidable In A Divorce?
Contrary to what movies and television shows depict, it is possible to have an amicable parting with your spouse. If both parties are committed to it and willing to negotiate, it can happen. If you are unsure you and your spouse can avoid war in your divorce, here are some tips to help you do so:
Hire a Mediator
Mediation might not seem like the right decision if you and your spouse are having trouble negotiating for assets and debts, but it can be. There are several reasons that mediation is preferable to arguing in court, but the most important is the mediator.
Mediators are trained professionals who are skilled in diffusing hostile arguments between two parties. They can help both sides identify what is most important to them and work with you and your spouse to reach a resolution. Whereas your attorney might be ready to opt for the nuclear option, a mediator is looking for a way to keep both parties working together.
Divorce mediation can take time. Some couples can reach an agreement in a few sessions, while others might require more time. However, if you and your spouse are willing to work together, it is possible to get a reasonable settlement that is acceptable to both parties.
Attend Marriage Counseling Together
One of the misconceptions about marriage counseling is that it is only for couples who are staying together. Although that is the goal of many couples who attend counseling, there is another reason that you and your spouse should go to marriage counseling together.
Marriage counseling can help you and your spouse deal with any unresolved issues that could result in hurt feelings that might lead to a divorce war. A trained counselor can help both of you focus on moving on with your lives so that negotiating the splitting of your assets and debts is not such an emotional issue.
A marriage counselor can also be beneficial if you and your spouse will be co-parenting in the future. The counselor can help with learning skills that will not only help to keep the peace now but also in the future when both of you are charged with making decisions about your children's upbringing.
A petition for divorce does not have to be a rallying cry for war. With persistence and determination, both you and your spouse can end your marriage in an amicable way that is not harmful to you and others.
Contact a law firm like Kelm & Reuter, P.A. for more information and assistance.
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