When people think of divorce, they tend to think of heated arguments and an emotionally charged landscape. However, if you can collaborate on your divorce, you have a higher likelihood of experiencing a more stress-free process.
Determining how to cooperate with your former spouse can help you throughout the divorce process.
Establish open communication with your former spouse
In the U.S., there are about 689,000 divorces every year, and of those divorces, most settle out of trial. To keep your divorce from going to trial, you have to keep the lines of communication open. Establish a transparent dialogue that allows you and your former spouse to express concerns, expectations and preferences.
Ensure you have clear objectives
Be realistic about your goals throughout the divorce process. Work with your partner to determine what his or her interests are so that you can work together towards a shared desired outcome. When you understand what each other wants to gain from the divorce, you reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
Discuss alternative dispute resolution methods
Divorce does not necessarily have to go to trial. There are alternative dispute methods, including mediation and collaborative processes. Through these approaches, you have a neutral platform facilitated by a separate, unbiased party. The neutrality allows for negotiations without an adversarial environment.
Be willing to compromise
To remain cooperative during divorce, you must remain flexible and willing to compromise. You and your partner may have to make concessions to reach a mutual resolution. Finding common ground makes it easier to cooperate and compromise with one another. Generally, if one partner has a willingness to compromise, then the other
When you navigate divorce together and prioritize collaboration, you may have a more amicable relationship following the divorce.