Once you or your spouse file for divorce, the last thing on your mind is keeping him or her happy or even being friendly. However, being openly hostile to your spouse can cause problems and purposefully antagonizing your spouse could prove disastrous. A thoroughly aggravated spouse may go out of his or her way to stall the proceedings, fight any attempts to negotiate, and cost both of you a substantial amount of money. Arguments and disagreements are inevitable, but intentionally angering your spouse may cause more trouble than you are prepared to handle. Being sure you avoid antagonizing your spouse during a divorce can speed up the overall process and increase your chances of getting a better settlement or custody agreement.
Clear Up Misunderstandings
It is possible for your attorney or mediator to receive incorrect information about you, your spouse, or your children. When you become aware of a misunderstanding, it is your responsibility to address the mistake and correct it. Letting your attorney or the court initiate a discussion with your spouse or his or her counsel based on information you know is untrue or wrong will prolong the divorce and upset your spouse. It is your job to stop your attorney if he or she begins acting on flawed information so that your best interests are served and your judge has no reason to suspect you of being dishonest.
Keep Kids Informed but Not Involved
Children of your relationship have the right to know what is going on between their parents. Telling your children about your decision to get divorced after you and your spouse have initiated the process is necessary. After they are told, it is a good idea to keep them informed regarding hearing dates and other important parts of the divorce, but they do not need to become involved in the divorce itself or the relationship between you and your spouse. Do not ask your children to give messages to your spouse, do not force them to criticize their parent, and do not place them in the middle. Involving your children will upset your spouse, upset your children, and possibly damage the relationship between you and your children.
Do Not Try to Force a Reconciliation
It is not unusual for one spouse to want to reconcile or work on the relationship while the other spouse is finished with the marriage and determined to get a divorce. Once the divorce is filed, attempting to pursue your spouse will make him or her uncomfortable and angry. Refusing to work towards the divorce your spouse wants will only lead to a more expensive divorce and hurt your chances of having a healthy relationship with your spouse after the divorce is finalized.
Move Forward with Help
Even if you try to do everything in your power to avoid conflicts during your divorce process, there are times when one wrong word or action can do so much damage that your entire legal proceedings are complicated. The best way to proceed when you and your spouse are likely to have a confrontational divorce is to retain an experienced divorce attorney. Here at Vayman & Teitelbaum, we are prepared to help you during even the most contentious separation and divorce imaginable. Contact us today and schedule your initial consultation at any of our four Atlanta, Georgia locations.
