Mass media has convinced people that all divorce proceedings involve tears, yelling, and one person getting cheated out of what is rightfully theirs.
Thankfully this isn’t always the case: a clean divorce, one where both parties can part happy and contented (and in many cases, even amicable), is a distinct possibility and can be a great way to ensure that you end up with the most important things from your previous household. We asked legal experts and family lawyers what they thought were the most important steps of getting a clean divorce and what couples need to ensure they separate in the friendliest terms possible:
Always Seek the Help of (Ethical) Professionals
Too often, many people will seek out the help of a divorce lawyer who might not have their client’s best interests at heart. These types of unscrupulous lawyers are only concerned about one thing: the bottom-line. But if you’re looking to have a clean break without any complications, you need to find a legal professional who will be respectful of your wishes and work towards an amicable separation between you and your ex-partner.
The best way to figure out whether your lawyer has your best interests at heart is simple: if their only goal is to get you the biggest financial slice off of the divorce pie, then they might not be the best legal representative for you. Instead, find a lawyer that wants you to maintain a decent and amicable relationship with your ex-partner while getting you your fair share.
Prepare to Sacrifice
Here’s the thing about a clean divorce: there are no winners. Both sides will lose one thing or another. If you and your ex-partner want to have an amicable parting (not to mention an amicable and even friendly post-divorce relationship), accepting that both parties need to sacrifice something is crucial. A good lawyer can help you keep on track by helping you analyze settlement deals and figure out whether you’re being shorted or you’re being given what is due to you.
Basic cost-benefit analysis is important in divorce settlements. It not only ensures that you get what is rightfully yours but also ensures that no ill-will is fostered between you and your ex-partner. The trick is not to get more; rather, you should focus on getting the important things for you and your ex-partner to move on and move forward after the divorce proceedings. That way, neither of you will feel cheated out of the settlement.
Always Be Respectful
A clean divorce isn’t impossible, regardless of why you’re getting one in the first place. Still, for divorce settlements to be amicable and clean, you will need one crucial thing: respect. Too often, many people take divorce settlements as an opportunity to lash out at their ex-partners, but this will only lead to resentment and a lengthier, more gruesome divorce. It will only make things more difficult for the people involved, which may not only be you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse.
Remember: always be respectful, regardless of why you’re getting a divorce and how your ex-partner behaves.
