Collaborative divorce, open communication and focus on the future may deliver a healthier divorce for all involved.

Just as the decision to get married can be complicated and complex, so can the choice to get divorced. For many couples, the decision to end a relationship is one they wrestle with for weeks, months, or even years. When you and your partner decide to move forward with the divorce and go your separate ways, however, you’ll find that the hard work is only beginning. Whether you were married for two years or twenty, separating your lives legally, financially, and physically can be time consuming. You may also find that the process is emotionally draining and stressful. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to streamline the divorce process and to experience a less stressful divorce. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Consider collaborative divorce

While you might have visions of courtroom battles and custody disputes, the truth is that for many couples, collaborative divorce is a viable option that enables you to separate your lives without the stress of a courtroom divorce. When you utilize a collaborative divorce approach to your separation, you and your partner, along with your attorneys, will focus on coming up with reasonable solutions to your divorce problems. You’ll meet regularly to discuss important settlement issues, such as how much money one partner may need for child support payments or which person will retain ownership of the home. Your attorneys will help you communicate carefully with one another. In some cases, you may also bring in a mediator. Learn more about collaborative divorce at International Association of Collaborative Practice and locally at Collaborative Professionals of Phoenix.

2. Communicate openly

Make sure that throughout the divorce process, you communicate carefully and openly with both your divorce and your partner. It’s important that you avoid withholding information, especially information that is pertinent to the divorce. For example, you need to be up-front about marital assets and the items and properties you own. If there is a specific piece of land or personal item you want to keep during the divorce, share this with your attorney. They will help you negotiate to get the assets you want during the divorce.

3. Focus on your end goal

Understand that when you and your partner separate, there will be instances in which you disagree. You may want to keep the paintings you and your spouse acquired during your marriage, but perhaps your partner wants them more. You may want full custody of the children, but maybe your partner will want to share custody. Focus on the end goal of your divorce, which is to separate in a healthy way and begin moving forward with your lives. Sometimes compromise will become necessary; however, your attorney can help you to reach the best possible outcome for your personal situation.

When you’re ready to move forward with your divorce, McMurdie Law & Mediation can help. We understand that this is a very difficult and emotionally challenging time in your life and will do everything in our power to help you move forward in a way that is both healthy and beneficial. So don’t wait, call McMurdie Law and Mediation at 480-777-5500 to schedule a consultation today.