No matter how many children you have (if any) or how long you’ve been married, making a decision to move on in life without your spouse will bring about many changes in life. Whether you and your spouse are still able to get along in a peaceful manner or your relationship is contentious, and you tend to argue if you’re in the same room, it may be possible to navigate a Pennsylvania divorce without a lot of trouble.
There are several mistakes you’ll want to avoid in order to achieve a fair settlement in as swift and amicable a fashion as possible. People who make these mistakes, in fact, typically end up making divorce much harder than it has to be. If you have children, their well-being is undoubtedly a top priority, which might inspire you to cooperate to resolve your differences during proceedings.
Avoid fighting with your ex, especially in front of your children
It’s okay if you and your ex disagree on certain issues, such as property division, child custody or other divorce-related topics. If you make the mistake of fighting every time you see each other, however, proceedings will no doubt be more stressful than they need to be. Agreeing from the start to avoid confrontation lays the groundwork for peaceful negotiations.
Not talking at all isn’t usually a good idea
A lot of people make the mistake of trying to sweep problem issues under the rug, rather than face them head-on in a divorce. In fact, it’s always best to address important issues in a timely manner. The longer an issue remains unresolved, the more difficult it might be to find a solution.
There is no need to handle complex issues on your own in a divorce
Transitioning from marriage to a single lifestyle means that you will be making independent decisions, probably more often than you’ve been accustomed to doing in a marriage. Some people find post-divorce independence liberating in a certain sense. It can be a mistake, however, to think you have to handle everything on your own.
There are many people who can help you and your children as you work out a settlement and adapt to a new lifestyle. If a particular problem arises, such as a dispute regarding finances or child custody, it’s helpful to discuss the issue with someone who is well-versed in Pennsylvania divorce laws. Doing so may help you protect your assets and ensure that your children’s best interests are a central focus of all proceedings.