Tips For A Healthy Divorce

If you are contemplating divorce, you may be feeling worried. Often, when people think about divorce, they think about two people fighting in court to prove each other wrong. Rarely do people think of divorce as something that can be achieved in a peaceful manner. Indeed, all divorce cases have ups and downs, and there is no perfect divorce. However, it is possible to get a healthy divorce. There are many ways to make a divorce easier. Below is a look at some of the things you can do to ensure you have a healthy Florida divorce.

Speak to a Family Law Attorney

If you believe you are ready for a divorce, you need to speak to a family law attorney. Whether or not you have children, it is best that you involve an attorney. An experienced family law attorney can, among other things, advise you on your rights and those of your children (if applicable) and your obligations. Attorneys are experienced in helping couples go through a divorce in an amicable manner.

Be a Team

If you are a parent, you and the other parent need to work as a team, especially when it comes to telling your children about the divorce. You and the other parent need to be a strong parental unit so that you can answer all the tough questions your children are going to throw at you.

To have a healthy divorce, you and the other parent also need to work as a team in regard to writing the parenting plan. When writing the parenting plan, remember to put your children’s best interests first.

Get Support

Your loved ones are here to support you through your divorce, and their support can help you through your divorce. Attorneys are also here to support you and give you advice along the way.  Therapeutic intervention is often warranted as well.  Do not feel ashamed or embarrassed to receive assistance from a medical or mental health professional during this difficult time.  Some divorcing parties even join a support group. In sum, there are many sources of support and you should avail yourself, and/or your children, to everything available to you.

Try Mediation or Another Alternative Dispute Resolution Method

You can get divorced through mediation or another alternative dispute resolution method.  In fact, in Florida, most jurisdictions requiring divorcing parties to attend mediation or become involved in an alternative dispute resolution option before the court will schedule a final hearing or trial.  Moreover, when two parties come together to find resolution, it is a cordial and respectful way to resolve outstanding issues.  Each party has some control in the outcome and each party negotiates with a different focus.   Mediation, for example, requires you to work with a neutral third party known as a mediator.  Typically, mediation is conducted in one full day, or multiple days for complex cases; however, at the end of the process, a full resolution can be achieved.  Alternate Dispute Resolution is a more lengthy process, but again, parties have control over the negotiation process and ultimate resolution terms.  If no agreement is reached between parties, the matter will proceed to trial and a judge will make all the important decisions about each party’s life, which can be a bit unsettling.

Avoid a DIY Divorce

Fixing your porch, for example, is something that you can easily do by yourself. However, a divorce is not something you should consider a “project.”  The divorce process can be complicated and emotionally charged when you choose not to retain an attorney.  Often, with a Do-It-Yourself divorce, it feels like the fighting will not stop. Working with an attorney can help reduce fights and lead to quicker results. Apart from that, when you choose a DIY divorce, you risk making mistakes that can result in your divorce agreement being deemed invalid.  You also risk making mistakes which cannot be fixed, as a matter of law

Do Not Speak Badly About Your Partner

Lastly, if you want to have a healthy divorce, you should avoid speaking badly about your partner especially in the presence of your children, family and even on social media.

Contact a Jacksonville Divorce Lawyer

If you are contemplating divorce and need guidance on how you can make the divorce process easier for you and your children (if applicable), contact an experienced Jacksonville divorce lawyer at The Lasky Law Firm.

Resource:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html