Marriage doesn’t always end in a fairytale ending for some couples. While there are always cases when relationships endure for decades, there are those that enter turbulent waters. Some couples may weather the storms of life, but others aren’t as fortunate, ending in a separation that takes a huge toll emotionally and financially. While it’s every couple’s right to call it quits and enter divorce proceedings, the legal process itself could get messy at some point.

However, some couples would prefer an easier and more civil way to end their marriage. Divorce shouldn’t always end in both parties emotionally beaten and sapped of cash. There are legal means to finalize a divorce without undergoing the most difficult parts of the process. It’s only a matter of knowing these important tips that will help you and your soon-to-be ex-partner navigate around the challenges and move on with your lives:

1. Share the same goals

The first thing you will want to lay down is a goal that your partner will agree to. Considering the factors that could have complicated your marriage, it can be difficult to convince the other to agree to a divorce, especially if there’s a lot at stake. 

On the other hand, you can make the journey less tedious, time-consuming, and emotionally draining for both of you if you set aside your problems and realize that this would be the most logical and compassionate decision you will ever make as a couple. That alone should help you work together in making it work for the sake of your children as well as for your sense of peace. If you have to, opt to get a marriage counselor to help walk you through your emotions and mutually agree on a decision.

2. Get all necessary information on the table

In most cases, divorce proceedings get even more complicated when either party refuses to divulge important information regarding the assets they own and other details relevant to the case. Once you and your partner have decided to proceed, you will have to create a climate of trust that allows cooperation. 

Being transparent and always ready to communicate is critical in making sure the process stays on track and leads to an amenable conclusion. Withholding information, on the other hand, will only sow distrust and compel the other side to escalate the process into a full-on legal battle.

3. Go for mediation

Taking your divorce to court will only lead to greater financial losses that could turn emotional and drag on for months, if not years. If you agree to settle your divorce peacefully, opting for a third-party mediator is the best way to go. Through this option, you won’t have to rely on family lawyers to discuss matters of custody and the division of your assets, which you owned before and during your marriage. 

Through mediation, you get to cut the time it takes to gather necessary documents and negotiate terms. If this might be the best option for you, go here and learn more about the other advantages of getting a mediator to step in.

4. Agree to a fair deal before finalizing

Whether you’re opting for mediation or you’re going through the traditional divorce process, it matters to lay down fair terms that your spouse may agree to. If there are still possible points of contention, you might as well iron these out and make compromises to your claims. As long as your spouse sees it as a fair deal, you can only hope for your divorce to proceed without any additional disputes.

Endnote

If you’re going through a rough patch with your spouse and you’re worried that things will get messy, the tips above should lead the way to a more civil and advantageous separation.