If you are considering beginning divorce proceedings or are in the midst of separation, the following tips and advice may help you to cope with what is sure to be a very difficult period as amicably, fairly and simply as possible.
The first piece of advice for anyone thinking about filing for divorce is to seek professional advice and support from a family solicitor. Your solicitor will be able to advise you on all of the options available to you, and will only move on to discussing court proceedings at a later date if they are certain that a resolution cannot be reached another way.
If there are children involved, remember that your primary aim is that they do not find themselves in the centre of bitter divorce proceedings. Not only does that mean the emotional impact of the separation on the children will be minimised, but it also could help to keep legal costs down.
A divorce method that is currently experiencing a significant growth in popularity is that of mediation. The mediation process involves divorcing couples visiting a mediator who will provide them with advice and guidance about the best way to proceed. It is worth noting however, that this process will only work if both parties are committed to an amicable divorce and are prepared to be 100% open about their financial circumstances.
If you do not feel as though mediation is for you then there are other options. Your solicitor can help through meetings and negotiations between you, your spouse and their solicitor.
If you and your spouse can’t seem to reach an independent agreement about finances then it may be that the divorce has to go to the courts. If this is the case, try to reach a direct agreement with your spouse about childcare arrangements so as to keep your children out of the crossfire.
Whatever happens, divorces don’t have to be acrimonious and a source of yet more hurt for both yourself and the rest of your family. There are always ways to minimise conflict and ensure that the proceedings are dealt with as quickly and effectively as possible. Communication and co-operation are key.
If you are considering beginning divorce proceedings or are currently struggling through a difficult divorce, please visit our separation and divorce fact-sheet to find out how counselling may be able to help you.
View the original BBC News article.
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