Things You Need to Know About Divorce

When a marriage ends, partners and their children often encounter a perfect storm of stressful circumstances: new living arrangements, parenting agreements, and of course, determinations about property and money. The feelings caused by these transformations can make it challenging for spouses to comprehend the legal process of divorce and may even degrade their ability to make proper decisions. However, getting through a divorce might be easier if you're advised about the process before it starts. The following information from our collaborative attorney in Orlando provides a few recommendations to help steer you through this challenging time.

Don't Expect to 'Win' A Divorce Case

A lot of people begin their divorce expecting to 'beat' their spouse in court. In fact, there's rarely a true champion in divorce. The traditional divorce implicates various issues, such as child custody, spousal and child support, and property division. Rarely do divorcing spouses get with everything they desire. For instance, one partner might be awarded primary physical custody of the children but might get a much lower amount of spousal support than requested; it's nearly impossible to tell the 'winner' from the 'loser,' so attempting to 'win' is senseless.

Instead, evaluate the consequences of a full-blown court battle before you go down that path. In addition to the many thousands of dollars you will spend, your children might suffer the most during a heated divorce battle. Moreover, once the dust has settled, you might soon forget who 'won.'

Don't Make Critical Decisions Without Thinking Them Through

Many life-changing determinations come up during a divorce. For instance, you may have to decide whether you need to sell the family dwelling. Resist the urge to make a quick decision just to get the matter over with. When making significant choices, it's critical that you consider the possible consequences.

You're Getting a Divorce: Your Children Aren't

It's easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment. Nevertheless, saying mean things to your spouse in the company of your children can have a continuing effect. Psychological studies indicate that the more parents battle during a divorce, the more destructive the whole process is to the kids.

Whenever you're about to say something nasty, give yourself some time to think before you talk. A simple rule to observe is to count to ten before you respond to a question or make a statement. In addition, unless there's a record of abuse or neglect, your kids will continue to have a relationship with the other parent. So, no matter how bitter you are with your spouse, you should not attempt to discourage or meddle with a healthy parent-child relationship.

You might want to consider asking a trained mental health professional to advise your children about the divorce and seek therapy for yourself as well, so you can learn how to manage your children's needs during this challenging process.

These are a few things you need to know about divorce. If you need a collaborative law attorney in Orlando, call us now. We want to help you live your best life.