It might not be easy, but as you go through the divorce process, it can be very helpful to maintain at least some level of healthy communication with your spouse. There may be some circumstances in which you will need to converse through your attorneys, but in general, you could save a lot of time, money and energy simply through good communication.
If you do not engage in direct communication, you run the risk of playing a game of telephone, with some of your messages being misunderstood or getting lost in translation. Additionally, your ability to keep open lines of communication with your spouse will be a good example for your children, if you have them.
The following are a few tips to maintain good communication in a divorce:
- Never try to communicate when you are angry or upset. Instead, wait until you have calmed down and can think clearly about what you are saying.
- Do not feel as though you always must respond to your spouse immediately, especially if the message you get from him or her is unimportant. Take the time you need to better articulate your response.
- Consider having ground rules for communications, including cut-off times for communications, certain types of communications you will engage in and what constitutes an actual emergency.
- Think about staying off social media as much as is possible while you are going through a divorce. You’ll want to avoid unnecessary glimpses into your personal social life until the divorce is finalized, as your spouse could use things you post online against you.
- Never raise your voice. Always be as cordial and civil as possible. Raised voices or condescending speech will only encourage more hostility during the divorce process.
For the guidance and advice you need when dissolving your marriage in Minnesota, speak with an experienced divorce attorney at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.
