Divorce is often one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. For everyone involved — kids, families, and spouses — the divorce process can be so taxing, that it’s easy to get overwhelmed with it all. Despite the fact that the divorce rate among couples with children is actually 40% lower than those without, divorce still happens with parents and can be even more difficult for the kids.
Although divorces are extremely tough to deal with, they do happen and are part of life. It’s important to remain optimistic during these times and be aware that no matter how hard it is now, it will get better and soon you’ll be able to get back to living your life. You have to do everything you can to ensure the divorce process is as quick and painless as possible. Here are a few things that you should not do during any divorce.
Ignore Your Divorce Attorney
Your family law attorney should be consulted throughout the entire process. That includes leading up to the divorce filing, during the actual divorce, and afterward to make sure everything is all right. Although divorce cases can be extremely stressful, the pressure will be tenfold if you aren’t cooperating with your divorce attorney, as they are there to help you during this difficult time.
Manipulate Your Children
Divorce is hard enough on kids, so trying to turn them against the other spouse, their mother or father, will only worsen the situation. There are actually professionals within the court who have been trained to spot this kind of deception. If you’re caught, you might end up losing all custody of your child. Even if you despise your spouse, don’t express those negative feelings around your children.
Never Consider Mediation
It’s not fair to anyone involved to completely shut down outside help. If you aren’t willing to even consider divorce mediation, you’re making the entire situation more difficult for everyone. Dismissing the possibility of mediation or a collaborative divorce can lead to more stress on you and your spouse, so, as hard as it might be, working together or consulting with a mediator might actually help bring the divorce to a close.
Don’t make this already difficult time even more difficult. Do everything you can to successfully get through with your divorce and then back to your life.