When a couple decides to get divorced, there are numerous issues they may need to address before they reach a final divorce agreement. These may include the division of shared assets and debt, who should stay in the marital home, child custody and parenting time, child support and spousal maintenance (sometimes referred to as “alimony”), among others. Rarely is divorce a simple matter.
Tips to help you avoid a contested divorce
If you are interested in staying away from a contested divorce as you end your marriage, keep these tips in mind:
- Be as civil as possible: It’s normal for emotions to run hot during a divorce. However, it’s important to keep your cool and avoid saying anything to your former spouse that you’ll later regret. Be patient and calm — you’ll be happy you took this approach later on.
- Listen to your former spouse: You and your spouse may have a lot of disagreements, but it’s important to take some time to listen to the other person and consider his or her point of view. This will help both of you come to a reasonable agreement on important issues.
- Be reasonable: Divorce is not about winning or losing. It’s about creating an agreement that leaves you in a good position moving forward. Avoid fighting for certain things “out of principle” and be OK with compromising on some issues if it gets you what you want when it comes to something more important.
- Work with an attorney: No matter how you approach your divorce, be sure to consult a legal professional throughout the process. Doing so will help you avoid agreeing to things that are not in your best interests in the long term.
For the guidance and advice you need as you navigate the often-complex divorce process, consult a skilled Minnesota family law attorney with Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.