If you and your spouse have decided to get a divorce, there are going to be tough decisions ahead. Even if the divorce was something that you both agreed was the best idea, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t going to be conflict as you go through the separation procedure. Even if you discuss a lot of the important details beforehand, that doesn’t mean that you and your partner won’t find things that you disagree about later. Also, things can become difficult if it is a remote access court (read this blog post). That’s why it’s so important to keep lines of communication open, even during these emotional times.
There are a few topics in particular that can create tough situations. One of them can be splitting up money and things you own together. Figuring out who gets what and how to handle shared debts can lead to arguments. People often feel very emotional during these talks, so it’s important to stay calm. If possible, get help from a mediator or counselor. Another important point of discussion could be the topic of child custody, if you have children. Deciding where the children will live, who will make important decisions for them, and how much time they will spend with each parent can be very complicated and may necessitate the involvement of a child custody lawyer. They can guide you through the legal stuff and help you make fair agreements. Remember, keeping communication open and trying to work together can make the divorce process smoother and less stressful for everyone, especially the children.
Child Custody
If there are any disagreements about who is the primary caretaker of the children involved, you may have to talk with a child custody lawyer, and it may be better to start that process sooner than later. Ideally, the adults should always consider what is the best for the child, but it doesn’t mean that everyone is going to agree when it comes down to making final decisions about this very emotional topic.
Child Support
Then there are big financial decisions to make, not just about splitting property and belongings and the bank accounts, but also about child support. Paying child support over a long period is a big deal. If one parent makes a lot more money than the other, there needs to be some balance with the child’s best interests in mind, but adults can often run into situations where they don’t agree about what this means.
Visitation Rights
Once one parent does get custody of a child, then there is the matter of visitation rights. How often should a parent be able to see his or her child depending on the circumstances? The child, in this case, does have some say in the matter, but ultimately, it is up to the legal system and contractual agreements from the parents what the result of these discussions will entail.
Keeping Things Amicable
In the end, it is much better to try to get along with the person that you are divorcing than it is to be openly hostile to them. It is terrible for everyone’s headspace if there are constant arguments or consistent court battles that are being threatened regarding details of the separation.
