It sounds like any oxymoron. An amicable divorce? It’s possible, by following these tips from Family Law Attorney, Elizabeth C. Early.
Consider using a neutral third party to guide legal discussion.
The inside of a courtroom is not the best environment for cooperative settlement discussions and solution seeking if you’re trying to arrive at an amicable divorce. There are other attorney-guided options where you and your spouse can discuss issues, solutions and reach a final resolution without ever setting foot in the courthouse.
Mediation and arbitration are two of the most common alternative resolution options for amicable divorce proceedings with pros and cons to each option. The reinstatement of parenting coordination in Pennsylvania provides an alternative resolution option for parents in challenging custody cases.
What does a parenting coordinator do? Find out here.
If you have children, consider attending counseling with the other parent in a custody case.
This type of counseling is often called co-parent counseling. A skilled co-parent counselor can guide you and the other parent (or other parties in the case, including grandparents) through the natural challenges that arise when you go from one family unit to multiple family units. Having a professional available to help you lay common ground rules, discipline tactics, and work through a custody schedule can save you and your children a lot of stress.
Make a list of your goals for the amicable divorce.
Keep that list and go back to it when it feel like the disagreements are at an all time high. What mattered to you in the beginning and has that changed? Are you deviating from your goals for the right reasons, or because you are feeling angry or hurt? If you need to reprioritize your goals, do so and be sure your legal counsel is in the loop.
Need some more tips or maybe a list to follow? High Swartz has created a divorce checklist, which can help guide you through the initial steps of a divorce.
Choose your divorce lawyer wisely.
Make your goals clear to your divorce lawyer and choose an attorney who will listen to what you want and guide you accordingly. Interview more than one attorney and do not be shy about asking pointed questions on strategy and their feedback on your goals.
You’re future is important. Don’t make the mistake of not doing you homework or going with the cheapest or quickest option when hiring a family law attorney. We’ve compiled some tips from past clients that can help guide you from people who have been there.
Make time for you.
Give yourself the opportunity to step back and engage in self care if/when the legal process is overwhelming in whatever form works for you. Maybe that is a dinner out without talking about your case, maybe it is asking your attorney for a week of no contact except for emergencies. If you need to set boundaries, set them.
Some clients ask their family law attorney not to contact them on Fridays or over the weekend or request that I call before I email because an email without warning can induce stress. Enlist your family and friends in helping you disconnect from your case when you need to.
Family law cases are inevitably going to be stressful and a burden on you emotionally, mentally and even physically. It is vital that you make time to prioritize your own wellness and well-being during challenging periods and carve out opportunities to maintain your own happiness.
If you need guidance or support during your divorce and would like to talk, please contact the family law attorneys here at High Swartz. Call 610.275.0700 or email eearly@highswartz.com.
The information above is general: we recommend that you consult an attorney regarding your specific circumstances. The content of this information is not meant to be considered as legal advice or a substitute for legal representation.