Going through a divorce is a journey that requires patience and careful consideration. You can’t let anger or hurt get the best of you because your actions and your attitude can have an impact on the divorce. Knowing some of the basic things to do and avoid can likely help you immensely during this time.
One of the most important things you can do is to be willing to work with your ex as you work through the terms of the divorce. Even if you know without a doubt what you want, you should realize that you may have to negotiate some and compromise a bit. Having an open mind during this process can help you to work things out as quickly as possible.
Next, you have to remember to use your head and not your heart to make decisions. You might have emotional or mental attachments to property; however, you need to think about how the property can help or hinder you in the future. For example, if your marital home has a costly mortgage and needs repairs, the financial hit you would have to take to keep the house might cause more stress than good.
Additionally, you need to put your children first in matters that concern them. With very few exceptions, your children should have a relationship with their other parent. This relationship shouldn’t be dependent upon you getting your way or your ex getting his or her own way. Instead, stop and think about how you can make the transition a bit easier for your child.
Lastly, don’t let the divorce push you into making drastic life changes. Take the time to carefully consider big choices, such as long distance moves or career changes.
As you go through the divorce process, make sure that you know your responsibilities and rights. Learning this information can help you to make decisions when necessary.
Source: FindLaw, “The Divorce Process: Do’s and Don’ts,” accessed Nov. 16, 2016