How to Have an Amicable Divorce
While resentment and hostility may come to mind when you think of a divorce, many couples have managed to have amicable dissolutions of their marriages. Having an amicable divorce does not mean that a couple must agree on everything, but it means they handle their differences in a respectful manner.
If you too want your divorce to be amicable, here are some tips that might help:
Leave the past in the past
If you decide to move on from your marriage through divorce, there is no reason for you to keep dredging up your spouse’s past discretions. If something does not affect your divorce agreement, do not dwell on the issue. Instead, start planning for your future after divorce. And if you have children, focus on how you can continue to provide them with a safe and loving environment.
If you leave the pain and hurt from your marriage in the past, you will have no need to speak ill of your spouse. When you talk with and of your spouse with respect, you will find that your divorce negotiations will be less unpleasant.
Seek professional help to work through your emotions
If you are having trouble letting go of your hurt, anger or other negative emotions, you may benefit from divorce therapy. Divorce therapy can help you to develop coping mechanisms to help you adjust to the life changes that divorce brings. Divorce therapy can help you to gain a better perspective and communicate more effectively with your spouse.
Do not rush the process
As much as you would like to have your divorce finalized immediately, it is a process that takes time. So, do not put pressure on yourself to work through your issues or get your affairs in order in a specific timeframe. In the same way, you should not rush your partner through the process. Allow them the time and space they need to come to terms with the divorce.
Negotiate in good faith
A sure way to have a hostile divorce is by negotiating in bad faith. If you under-report your income, hide assets, empty joint accounts or rack up debt on shared credit cards, it is highly unlikely that your divorce will be civil. When your spouse discovers your tactics, they may react badly.
Choose your divorce lawyer wisely
Once your divorce involves complex matters such as custody arrangements, child support, spousal support or division of property, you should consult a divorce lawyer to ensure your legal rights are protected. However, to keep your divorce negotiations respectful, you must ensure you have the right divorce lawyer on your side.
Some divorce lawyers take a combative approach to divorce settlement negotiations, but that will cause conflict. If your lawyer constantly attacks your spouse or makes unreasonable settlement requests, your negotiations are bound to fail, and your case may end up in court for a judgement to be made. To avoid this, find a lawyer who will work to protect your legal rights without causing confrontation.
Are you searching for a divorce lawyer in Toronto?
If you are searching for a divorce lawyer in Toronto, contact us at Baker and Baker Family Law. At Baker and Baker Family Law, our divorce lawyers have over 90 years of combined experience handling family law matters, including divorce. This experience puts us in a strong position to help you achieve an amicable end to your marriage.
So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call to schedule a legal consultation with one of our experienced Toronto divorce lawyers.
