Top Strategies For A Swift And Smooth Divorce Process
Going through a divorce can be challenging and emotionally taxing. In some cases, court proceedings can prolong the process, adding more stress to the situation. Legal fees can also end up being more expensive than expected, leading to financial strain. All these can take a toll on your emotional well-being and make the process even more difficult.
But thankfully, you can make this journey less daunting by employing a few strategies. This article offers practical suggestions for a swift and smooth divorce, helping you find clarity in navigating one of life’s most challenging transitions.
- Setting realistic expectations
From the onset, it helps to understand that divorces are different. No two are similar. So, don’t compare your situation to other people who have gone through a divorce.
Looking at how much settlement they got or how quickly they completed the process would be counterproductive. It’s worth noting that everyone’s relationship and circumstances at the time of divorce are different. Nevertheless, some stats could help. Most divorces take about 12 months to complete. Yours may take less or more time, depending on your situation.
Emotions are also normal during divorces. You may feel sad, angry, confused, and so on. No matter your feelings, try to seek the practical side of things. Don’t make overly unrealistic demands, like wanting a disproportionate share of marital assets. This may lead to a rejection of your proposals, potentially making you feel more frustrated. Being realistic helps you make informed decisions and stay grounded.
- Opt for mediation, if possible
In situations of uncontested divorce, where you and your spouse are in agreement on matters related to the divorce, there’s no need to go to court. You can draft and sign a separation agreement in the presence of lawyers and submit it to the district court, which will issue the final divorce decree. However, this process has state-specific rules and regulations which you must adhere to. For instance, if you’re after a no contest divorce in Colorado, either you or your spouse must have been an official resident of the state 91 days before filing the petition for marriage dissolution.
If this isn’t the case, another option is mediation. This involves a third party helping divorcing couples reach amicable agreements regarding the division of marital property, alimony, child custody, and other divorce issues. It’s advantageous over court settlements in several ways.
For one, there’s the potential for faster resolution. This way, you avoid the lengthy courtroom battles, which can drag on for several months or years. Aside from time implications, court settlement is also costly. There are legal fees, court costs, and expert evaluations to pay for. These total to an average of USD$15,000 to USD$20,000. Moreover, multiple hearings, disputes, and prolonged proceedings make it even more expensive. Mediation helps you save money.
Emotion-wise, mediation is also usually less taxing. The proceedings are often between the couple and the mediator. It’s not a public affair like court sessions, where family, friends, and members of the public are present, which can worsen emotions.
- Choosing the right legal counsel
Hiring the right lawyer makes the divorce process manageable. They’ll guide you through the typical intricacies and help you avoid potential pitfalls you may not be aware of. Experienced family law attorneys also have handled dozens, if not hundreds, of similar cases before and know the right tactics to follow.
Start by researching potential ones around your locality. You can also reach out to family or friends for recommendations or search online for the best ones. From there, read reviews of the shortlisted lawyers to get a feel of the experience previous clients had with them. Check their experience also. A legal professional with a solid track record of winning divorce cases is highly likely to deliver results. Next, interview them over the phone or in-person to gauge their responsiveness, personality, and approach.
Investing ample time in selecting your divorce attorney helps set the stage for smoother proceedings ahead.
- Prioritize open communication
Open communication is vital during a divorce, as it eliminates misunderstandings and disputes. So, be transparent and objective in all conversations with your spouse. Express your wishes and concerns openly without hiding anything. This way, they won’t have to guess what you want.
Furthermore, avoid blaming the other party. You might be critical of your spouse for leading the marriage to the rocks, but blame games don’t help move things forward. Instead, focus on the present and future and avoid dwelling on past mistakes.
Talking with a therapist can also help since it tones down your emotions, making it easy to engage in healthy conversations with your spouse. A joint counseling session is even better, allowing you both to air your grievances in the presence of a neutral moderator.
- Organize financial documents in good time
It’s important to move into a divorce with a clear picture of your financial situation. This helps you split assets fairly and ensure your financial stability post-divorce.
To begin with, list all the necessary financial documents you’ll need for the divorce proceedings. These include bank statements, tax returns, and property deeds.
While at it, it’s best to uphold transparency. Hiding crucial details about your assets can lead to prolonged disputes and potential fines. Openness paves the way for fair negotiations and outcomes.
- Don’t let emotions dictate your decisions
Feelings of wrath, denial, sadness, and uncertainty can engulf you during divorce. In such a state, it’s easy to make irrational decisions. But these might cost you significantly. A mistake in custody arrangements, for instance, may deny you vital relationship privileges with your kids. Thus, avoid making decisions when you’re emotionally charged.
You can calm down by taking breaks during discussions. If this doesn’t help, seek counseling services to help you remain level-headed.
Conclusion
A swift and smooth divorce positively impacts your emotional and financial well-being. But achieving this requires diligence, patience, and foresight. Your winning point is working with family law professionals. The insights they’ve gained over the years will help you prepare adequately for the proceedings and avoid typical pitfalls.
All in all, while divorce is usually complex, employing the right strategies may make the process swift and smooth.
