No one can deny the fact that divorce is an emotionally trying time for those involved. From the parents to the children to extended family, the end of a marriage takes its toll on everyone. Dealing with the emotional roller coaster that can occur at this time is absolutely essential, but you and your soon-to-be former spouse may want to consider how emotions can affect the divorce process.
In order to stay on the right track when it comes to reaching a divorce settlement, and a custody agreement if you have children, those emotions probably need to take a back seat to getting down to the business of resolving your issues. Doing so could open up other options besides going to court.
You could choose mediation
Mediation fosters an atmosphere in which each party can express his or her interests in what the final agreement will look like. It focuses more on the future than the past. The goal is to negotiate an agreement that best serves everyone involved. You and your spouse also retain more control over the process and the agreement instead of allowing a Florida court to make decisions for you.
The mediator keeps both parties on track, which means that he or she intervenes when emotions run high. He or she can also provide innovative ideas to resolve certain issues. It’s recommended that each party have his or her own counsel during the process in order to answer legal questions, discuss the feasibility of any solutions and to make sure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
You could choose collaborative law
The collaborative law process has similarities to mediation in that it encourages an atmosphere of cooperation and compromise. It also has some significant differences. In addition to each party’s counsel (which must commit to the process), a facilitator, a financial advisor and planner, and other third parties who can help with the process — such as a counselor — are also involved. They all provide advice and information where needed, but after that, the parties are encouraged to resolve their issues themselves.
Flexibility and communication take a leading role. Developing a way to deal with each other in a non-adversarial way often leads to settlements that are more satisfactory and to the tools needed to co-parent after the divorce and into the future.
You could seek help
Regardless of what method you choose to amicably resolve your divorce issues, having the right advice and assistance is vital. You can make sure your rights remain protected and that you reach the best resolution possible to your issues. When it comes to putting together an agreement, an attorney can help you execute an agreement that will meet with the approval of the court.