A Less Contentious Parting

Divorce can be an emotional experience and it's easy to see how those emotions can cause problems. When issues cannot be amicably resolved, the family court judge must decide. Taking a case to court should be the last resort and using logic rather than emotions will help ensure that things are resolved in more a peaceful manner. Read on for some tips to get you through the divorce experience without a lot of acrimony.

Consider Mediation

In some places, family court officials not only encourage warring couples to seek mediation, but require it. Mediation takes issues away from a formal legal setting like a courtroom and relies on a couple's willingness to discuss and agree on contended issues. Trained divorce mediators take on a neutral role and lead the couple through a specific process that focuses on resolving just a single issue at a time.

Consider Removing Fault from the Process

It's no longer necessary to prove that one party is the bad guy. Most states recognize no-fault divorce as an option and the grounds for this type of divorce are usually known as irreconcilable differences. Punishment has no place in most divorce proceedings with judges using more equitable factors to decide on child custody, spousal support, and property and debt divisions. When you take away the element of fault, you automatically make the divorce process more amicable.

Keep Your Children Protected

Children are the most vulnerable parties in a divorce and both parents must place their health and well-being first. Needless to say, divorce proceedings in a courtroom are inappropriate places for children and that goes for any age child. When children are questioned about child custody issues, it always takes place away from the courtroom in a more private, intimate setting (closed chambers) that protects the child from exposure to the harsh reality of what's happening to their parents. In many cases, child custody is decided using the help of trained evaluation experts who interview the child in a casual setting and advise the judge on how to rule.

Be Forthcoming and Cooperative

The divorce process is about producing information as well as splitting a couple up. Financial disclosures provide information that helps the attorneys and the judge make decisions about debts and property. If you are asked to provide income tax returns, bank statements, and more, don't make your spouse get a subpoena to force the issue. The judge might take your lack of cooperation as a sign that you are attempting to hide assets. Contact a firm, like Hugh O. Allen Law Offices, to learn more about divorce court.

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