4 Ways to Keep Your Divorce from Becoming Contentious
May 18, 2018
Getting divorced is typically a very upsetting event in people’s lives. People are often struggling with painful feelings and uncertainty about the future, not to mention financial challenges and fears about what will happen to their relationship with their children.
With all this going on, many people struggle with navigating the legal process. In many cases, missteps happen and the divorce can become more difficult. To prevent this from happening if you are considering divorce, you can take the steps we discuss below.
Avoid litigation. You might feel like you want to go to court, or that it is your only option. However, litigation can be lengthier, costlier and more contentious than alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation or collaboration. Committing to these methods can help you pursue the most peaceful version of a divorce.
Be honest. Lying about things like parenting capabilities, domestic violence or finances might seem like effective ways to protect yourself during a divorce, but doing so is unlawful and could ultimately work against you when the truth comes out. Avoid this by being honest and forthcoming.
Use caution on social media. It’s not uncommon for people to vent about an ex or disclose details about a divorce online. However, doing so could cause avoidable strain and contention when your ex or the courts see what you have said. It could also paint you in a negative light, which you likely don’t want. During a divorce, avoid saying anything online that you wouldn’t want read aloud in court.
Get help right away. When people are hoping for a peaceful divorce, they might decide not to use attorneys. However, this can be a costly mistake. After all, you may not know how to navigate the legal system or what your rights are, especially if you have never been through the process before. Having an attorney doesn’t mean you are preparing for a fight; it means that you want experienced help in pursuing a fair outcome.
Many people make missteps in the early stages of a Wisconsin divorce, and these missteps could ultimately complicate the process further. These suggestions can help you avoid such mistakes so that you can work toward a more amicable divorce.