Five ways to more effectively get through divorce negotiations

On Behalf of | Dec 30, 2022 | Family Law |

Most divorces resolve through some sort of agreement without the need for contentious litigation. However, that’s not to say that divorce negotiations are without conflict. In fact, these negotiations can be really tense, and if you’re not careful, you could get locked into an agreement that isn’t right for you. It could even leave you at a financial disadvantage for years to come.

Since there’s so much at stake, you need to know how to navigate your settlement negotiations in a way that protects your interests. But how do you go about doing that? Let’s look at some things you can do to hopefully make the process a little bit easier and leave you in a strong financial position once everything is said and done.

  1. Strike the right tone: It’s easy for talks with your spouse to spiral out of control. After all, you’re both probably hurt in one way or another, and using the wrong tone can strike a nerve. This, in turn, can throw up obstacles to a successful and timely resolution to your divorce.
  2. Focus on your needs: As you come out of your divorce, there are going to be certain things that you need to survive. This might include a place to live, a car to drive, and a certain amount of cash to ensure that your basic needs are met. You might also want to secure a specific amount of time with your children. Be realistic here with what you actually need and then advocate for it.
  3. Address complicated issues based on interests: It’s easy to get wrapped up in a position and feel like you have to fight to win every argument with your spouse. Your spouse may even try to do the same. But instead of worrying about protecting your position, focus on the interests that are at stake. By doing this, you’re more likely to have productive conversations with your spouse. For example, instead of consistently fighting over who should be the custodial parent, focus on what’s best for your children.
  4. Take a step back to gain some perspective: It’s helpful to remember that your spouse probably feels like their position is justified. Take a moment to step back to try to understand why your spouse feels or advocates the way that they do. This can help you figure out how to address their concerns and find common ground. This can lead to a more amicable divorce that puts you in a better position post-divorce.
  5. Find a way to effectively communicate with your spouse: We know that communication with your spouse can be difficult during the divorce process. However, if you want to successfully end your marriage, you’re going to have to find a way to effectively communicate with them. To reduce tension, you might have to find alternative methods of communicating, such as by using emails, texting, or using an app. Don’t continue to use a communication method that just leads to conflict.

There are, of course, other considerations to take into account as you try to find a way to resolve your divorce. Transparency can be key, and so, too, can educating your spouse about your circumstances and your wishes.

With so much to think about, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. But that’s why you might find it helpful to turn to a legal team like ours for assistance. By doing so, you’ll hopefully be able to successfully navigate your divorce and start the next chapter of your life on a good foot.