How to Minimize Conflict in a Divorce

Stories of messy divorces are familiar to many people. Even situations where both spouses are comfortable with the decision to divorce and have a desire to do so amicably can still be contentious. San Diego divorce lawyers with experience handling these situations can often help, though, as they recognize the patterns of how conflict can emerge and what may be able to prevent it.

Ways to Minimize Conflict in a Divorce

Divorce is hard enough without unnecessary conflict and contention adding to the difficulties. In particular, conflict is one issue that can lengthen the divorce process, increase the expenses, and make it more likely the divorce will have to be resolved by the courts rather than in negotiations. If a divorce goes to trial, the spouses won’t have as much of a say in the final outcome.

Have a Plan

It’s impossible to be fully prepared for a divorce. However, you can prepare in some ways. In particular, it can be helpful to try to understand what to expect. Conflict can arise more easily when spouses aren’t prepared for the emotional difficulty of a divorce. To whatever extent you can, it’s important to prepare mentally and emotionally.

It can be helpful to talk with others who have been through a divorce. It can also be valuable to work with a lawyer who can help you understand what to be ready for. Inevitably, though, frustrations will emerge. Have someone you can talk with about these concerns. This can often help you refocus and put your effort into moving the process forward.

Set Your Expectations

It’s important to understand that there are legal parameters that any divorce will need to fit within, whether the terms are decided inside or outside of court. Conflict can often emerge from people having unrealistic expectations about how the issues will be resolved and what they will receive. Specifically, child custody is often one of the most contentious issues in any divorce involving children. If parents can understand the range of likely custody outcomes, the process may be easier and faster.

The ideal way to avoid some of this frustration and conflict is ensuring that everyone involved has their expectations properly calibrated. When you understand the range of the most likely outcomes, it’s a bit easier to find agreement. Your lawyer can help you understand what is reasonable to expect, given your situation.

Have the Right Lawyer

Working with the right San Diego divorce lawyer is critical to minimizing conflict. The right lawyer can help prepare you, set expectations, keep the process moving, and avoid common pitfalls. It’s also imperative that you have a lawyer you trust and feel comfortable with. If you are confident in your lawyer, this can eliminate a significant portion of your stress. You can trust they are doing everything possible to achieve your objectives.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does a Divorce Take in California?

A: How long a divorce will take in California is often determined by a variety of factors. Generally, the shortest span of time that a divorce may take is a little more than six months, as a judge is not allowed to issue a dissolution of marriage until at least six months have passed since the divorce papers were filed.

On the other hand, some divorces could take years to settle. This is particularly true if the couple has more assets to be divided or if the divorce turns particularly contentious.

Q: What Will Need to Be Included in a Divorce Agreement?

A: A few different issues will need to be included in a divorce agreement. Property division will need to address how the couple’s assets and debts will be split up. If the couple has any minor children, then child custody and child support will also need to be a part of the agreement. Finally, if there will be any spousal support, that will need to be included as well.

Q: Can Court Orders Related to a Divorce Be Changed After the Dissolution of Marriage?

A: Some of the court orders related to a divorce may be changed after the dissolution of marriage. Property division is not something that will usually be open to modification. Spousal support may be adjusted if either party has seen a significant change in income or, occasionally, other factors. The same is true of child support. Child custody, though, is the most frequently modified and can be altered if there has been a substantial change in circumstance, requiring changes to better serve the child’s best interests.

Q: If We Reach a Separation Agreement, Will a Judge Need to Approve It?

A: If you reach a separation agreement, a judge will still need to approve it. This is because you aren’t allowed to have an agreement that isn’t in alignment with the parameters of the law. The judge will need to ensure that issues like property division and spousal support are fair under the law.

In particular, a judge will want to ensure that any custody agreement is aligned with the child’s best interests. However, if you are working with an experienced lawyer, they will be able to help you find an agreement that is likely to be approved by the judge.

We Can Help Minimize the Conflict in a Divorce

Divorce is an emotionally draining, stressful, and complicated process. The last thing that anyone wants is additional tension, conflict, or anger. However, these complications arise frequently, and it shouldn’t be a surprise with such important and impactful issues being decided. There are ways to try to reduce the likelihood of conflict, including hiring a skilled San Diego divorce lawyer.

The team at Bickford Blado & Botros understands the challenging nature of divorce. We have experience working through difficult and contentious situations. Our experience has given us first-hand knowledge of how to reduce tension, avoid conflict, and keep the process moving forward.

While no one can guarantee that every conflict can be avoided, we understand how to help clients through a divorce with minimal disruption. If you’re looking for help that will keep your divorce focused and moving forward as smoothly as possible, contact us today.

 

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