Top 10 tips for a more amicable divorce

Going through a divorce can be an extremely lengthy, emotional and distressing process, particularly if parties disagree on how the divorce proceedings should look.

It is easy to get caught up in the disagreements. However, it only makes the process harder for everyone, particularly if there are children involved.

Stephanie McAulay, solicitor within our private family law department, shares her top 10 tips for a more amicable divorce, and how this will make your life much easier and stress free:

Work out what you agree or do not agree on.

What are you actually disputing? Seeking early advice and intervention will help you to avoid potential further conflict and resolve things easier.

Be organised!

Have the facts at your fingertips, have everything you need ready to go. This could be your mortgage/borrowing capacity, the value of your home, your pension, or anything personal that can impact your divorce. Being organised will allow everything to run smoothly and as stress free as possible.

Give mediation a fair chance.

Mediation can help you solve any issues outside of court, meaning you save money and do not have to go through the emotional stress that comes with going through court proceedings.

Consider your options carefully.

By giving yourself time to make an informed decision, and carefully considering the steps you need to take, it means you are less likely to regret any decisions you have made later down the line and can assure you that you are doing the right thing.

Co-operate voluntarily and be engaged in the process.

It is vital that you do not feel as though you have been pushed into the process. By co-operating on your own terms, and engaging with the process, it will make things run much more smoothly and ensure your best interests are being met.

Be honest.

There is no point going through the process and agreeing to things if you are not being honest to yourself, and the other parties involved. If you are not honest, it opens the doors for potential problems in the future.

Look ahead to move forward.

Focus on the end goal and do all you can to work towards a conclusion to your issues. It will make the process much more streamlined and simpler for you.

Be amicable and try to preserve relationships.

This is particularly important if you have children, and you need to continue to co-parent. The welfare and best interests of your children ought to always be your focus and priority. It is important that you avoid mudslinging, particularly if there are children involved. Be the bigger person and the process will be more straightforward.

Obtain support if you need it.

Whether this be advice from a divorce coach or counsellor, or from an independent financial advisor, they could be invaluable in ensuring your divorce comes to an amicable completion.

Lastly, do it your way!

The outcome of your divorce is dependent upon your own, individual circumstances and therefore, your experience will not compare with your friends or family members’ experience. So, limit the involvement of others and work in a way that will benefit you.

How can we help?

Our Family Law specialists understand that navigating legal issues related to family can be overwhelming and emotional. Our team of experienced family lawyers are dedicated to providing you with compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation.

To speak to a member of our private family law team about how they can assist with bringing your divorce to an amicable end, call 01740 646000, or fill in the online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.

Call: 01740 646000

Contact us for more details on how we can help.

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Hartlepool: York Chambers, York Road, Hartlepool. TS26 9DP
Stockton: 11 Bridge Road, Stockton-on-Tees. TS18 3AD
Wynyard: 12 Evolution, Wynyard Park, Wynyard .TS22 5TB
Barnard Castle: 8 Newgate, Barnard Castle. DL12 8NG

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