by: Jessica Thiefels
In the U.S., more than 40 percent of marriages end in divorce. While it can be a stressful time for both parties involved, these eight steps can help ensure the process is a smooth one.
Plan in Advance How to Tell Your Children
Family psychologist Kristen Wynns recommends aiming to keep your children's lives as normal as possible. Living arrangements and what works best with their everyday schedules should be discussed in private to avoid further confusion and hurt.
Attempt to Mediate with Your Spouse
"You work through the issues you need to resolve with a neutral party, so the two of you can end your marriage as amicably and cost effective as possible," says Brian James, Divorce Mediator. Negotiation before litigation helps prevents an all-out war in the courtroom and provides the best possible outcome for each party involved.
Don't Rush Through the Process
Hire Your Own Attorney
"Once you start down the road of divorce, what is in your best interest is no longer necessarily in your spouse's best interest," explains Nanda Davis, specialized divorce attorney.
She continues, "Even if your spouse wants to split everything equally, it is often impossible to split assets like a house, antique furniture or complicated investments fifty-fifty. Disputes about the details often arise."
Gain Access to All Finances
If you think your divorce could become financially complex, hire a financial analyst to help analyze marriage assets to ensure you receive all the finances you are entitled too.
Keep the Peace With Your Spouse
If you are a parent on the receiving end of custodial threats or verbal abuse, avoid retaliation. Remember in most cases, your spouse cannot deny you a chance to see your kids, advises Jeffery Leving, nationally renowned attorney and fathers' rights advocate.
Update Your Will
