Divorce is never an easy conclusion for spouses to come to, though it is sometimes a necessary one. The process of it can be even more stressful with emotions running high and unresolved feelings of resentment or anger. The intensity of these feelings often creates a volatile and contentious environment for both spouses, hindering the process and making it difficult for negotiations to proceed with ease. For both you and your former partner to move forward with your lives and start anew, it is important to learn how to effectively communicate.
Here are some helpful tips that will allow you and your spouse to communicate effectively to make the divorce process run as smoothly as possible.
- Set Clear Boundaries: No matter how amicable your divorce might be, setting boundaries is something all divorcing spouses should do. Given the depth of your familiarity with one another, it can be easy for you and your former spouse to cross boundaries without even being aware of it. To prevent this from occurring, determine early on how often you will communicate with one another and in what ways. Some might find talking on the phone or in person too overwhelming. If that is the case, consider email as a more optimum form of communication. If your ex is too clingy or needy, or wants to communicate too frequently, establish a limit to how often he or she is allowed to contact you. Setting up these boundaries at the onset of your divorce will manage everyone’s expectations.
- Focus on the Issues: Divorce is never a walk in the park. You have to divide assets and debt and come to a child custody agreement, all of which can cause tempers to flare up and arguments to occur. The sheer nature of it causes many to go off track and lose focus on the issues at hand. Instead of giving into the temptation of having an argument for the sake of it, try to stay on track and learn to remain focused on your goals.
- Manage Your Tone: When communicating with your soon-to-be ex-spouse during your divorce, consider your tone while speaking. Understandably, you are probably not on good terms, but you should resist the urge to be sarcastic or raise your voice. Avoid using angry or mimicking tones. The more you manage the tone of your voice, the more likely it is your spouse will do the same. Yelling at each other is simply ineffective and a waste of time and money, especially when you are both trying to reach a settlement agreement to move on with your lives.
- Consider Using a Mediator: Hiring a mediator can be a huge advantage for couples who might not be capable of effectively communicating. A mediator is a neutral third party who will facilitate negotiations between you and your spouse, offering guidance and support. The fact is that tensions are bound to run high and, when they do, a mediator can get the conversation back on track, running smoothly. You can also have your respective attorneys present to offer their own sound legal advice and protect your interests.
No one wants the divorce process to last forever, which is why effective communication is such a crucial aspect of divorce. It allows you to save time, which will ultimately lead to you saving money.
Newport Beach Divorce Attorneys
If you are in the middle of a divorce, or considering one, the Newport Beach divorce attorneys at Burch Shepard Family Law Group are here to provide over 130 years of combined experience to the table. Our certified family law specialists can help you resolve disputes related to the division of assets, post-divorce modifications, appeals, and much more. We work with each client to determine whether litigation or divorce mediation is in their best interests. In fact, some of our Orange County divorce lawyers have extensive experience as divorce mediators and are ready to help you negotiate favorable settlements. If necessary, we will fight for you in family court. You should not have to face this situation alone.
Get started on your case today and contact our Newport Beach office at (949) 565-4158 to request a consultation with a skilled and experienced member of our legal team.
