Major life events often include big decisions and life changes. Minnesota’s married couples that decide the time has come to part ways often understand the divorce process could significantly affect their life for years and even decades to come. How they handle their emotions and conduct during this time could determine how complex and lengthy the process will be. Reaching a divorce settlement might be difficult in general, but with the correct frame of mind, outlook and support system, their dissolution could be easier and even amicable.
When an individual files for divorce, or a couple mutually agrees to file for dissolution, oftentimes the soon to be ex-spouses rely on the advice of an attorney. Although a legal professional can significantly aid them through the process, some experts they are not able to provide the support system that a divorcing individual often needs. These experts suggest devising a support system to address the emotional turmoil can enable the divorcing party to make informed decisions not fueled by emotions, hate and spite.
In addition to having his or her emotions under control, experts suggest a divorcing individual should address finances. Ensuring that both parties are employed can ease the financial burdens associated divorce and can help alleviate post-divorce fears. Those spouses that didn’t attend or finish college, or who quit their job to stay at home to care for their children, should seek to become employed. If it is difficult to obtain adequate employment to cover basic living expenses, alimony and child support may be sought.
Lastly, experts suggest divorcing couples approach the divorce process with the right frame of mind. Nothing causes years of pain and a huge hit to the bank account like a couple dragging out the process and arguing about pointless issues. Keeping disputes to a minimum, working together and compromising will essentially ease their troubles, reduce costs and shorten the process.
Although some strategies work better for some divorcing couples and not for others, it is important divorcing spouses address their issues so they can devise a dissolution strategy that will work best for them. For those struggling to do this, it is essential they gain advice and assistance from a legal professional who will seek to support their best interests.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, “Three Ways to Protect Yourself in a Divorce,” Margaret Klaw, Jan. 31, 2014