The pandemic has taken a toll on marriages
It’s no secret that since the pandemic began in 2020, the world has taken on a lot of stress. Much of that tension falls on relationships and marriages, and there has been an uptick in divorces in recent years. In fact, divorce rates skyrocketed 34% during COVID-19 as couples struggled with finances, health concerns and overall stress.
Divorce is never easy, and it’s imperative you get the right advice when going through the process.
7 tips to make divorce as painless as possible
Divorce is difficult to navigate, but there are ways to prepare and make the process as painless as possible. Here are 7 tips from lawyers and experts:
1. Consider your children
During the divorce process, every decision you make should include the children’s best interest. In the divorce process, experts recommend prioritizing your children and their needs, making compromising on other things a bit easier because you’ll recognize the bigger picture.
2. Know what you want (and what you’re willing to give up)
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for divorce is to figure out what you want and need, and what you may be willing to give up. Make a list of your ‘must haves’ in each category of items you own and what you need to negotiate on.
3. Work together in an uncontested divorce
The best course of action for a smooth divorce process is to look to mediation. In an uncontested divorce, you and your ex will work together and agree to the particular areas of the split, including child custody, alimony, and the division of property. The goal of an uncontested divorce is for both parties to work through the process in a more efficient, peaceful and cost-effective manner. Instead of only communicating through representatives, you can talk directly to each other and therefore lessen miscommunication.
4. Consider a collaborative divorce
If you want more protection than mediation but want to be cooperative, a collaborative divorce is a viable option. In a collaborative divorce, the parties have attorneys, but the attorneys promise to work together toward an amicable resolution.
5. Seek counseling
Seeing a therapist while going through a divorce can have massive benefits. Divorce is undoubtedly distressing and requires a lot of emotional and mental energy. You don’t have to take that burden on your own, but you need to make sure you do everything to prioritize your mental health. The better your mental health, the better decisions you will likely make for yourself and your children.
6. Get your finances in order
Divorce requires a deep dive into your finances, so you need to compile and organize all your financial records and documents. This includes your tax returns, recent financial statements, knowing your credit score, your debts, assets, etc. These financials will most likely determine some of the outcomes of your divorce.
7. Don’t DIY legal counsel
Don’t go the DIY route, especially if you have children or assets, because a mistake could be costly. The law is complex, and this is too important to take a risk. Get comprehensive legal support from a seasoned lawyer who understands the ins and outs of the law, will hold your hand through the process and do everything in their power to get you what you deserve.
Get the legal support you need through divorce
Divorce is not only complicated, but it’s also emotionally taxing. It’s essential to research what you need to know about divorce and do everything to make the situation as seamless and pain-free as possible. Consider these tips for a cooperative and quick divorce and get expert guidance and support from experienced divorce lawyers.
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“PPLSI”) provides access to legal services offered by a network of provider law firms to PPLSI members through membership-based participation. Neither PPLSI nor its officers, employees or sales associates directly or indirectly provide legal services, representation, or advice. The information available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide legal advice, render an opinion, or provide any specific recommendations. The blog post is not a substitute for competent legal counsel from a licensed professional lawyer in the state or province where your legal issues exist and the reader is strongly encouraged to seek legal counsel for your specific legal matter. Information contained in the blog may be provided by authors who could be a third-party paid contributor. All information by authors is accepted in good faith, however, PPLSI makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information.
