Couples don’t enter into matrimony with a view to parting company further down the line. For many people, divorce may come as something of a shock, and it is natural to be unprepared for such events. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are some mistakes that California residents can try to avoid, in order to smooth the process as much as possible.
Creating clear boundaries and committing agreements to paper can help. Those who are currently on good terms may be satisfied with verbal arrangements; however, cordial relations do sometimes break down — it simply makes good sense to document essential terms in writing and in accordance with applicable laws. If couples are unable to reach an acceptable compromise, it may be worth considering mediation as a means to reduce the length of time it takes to achieve resolution. Where children are involved, it may help if both parents can agree on how the introduction of any new partners could affect visitation or custody schedules.
Seeking advice from friends and family is natural, and there is no doubt that they can be of great emotional support during such a difficult time. It can also be tempting to utilize the professional services of familiar faces. However well-meaning they may be, an emotional link may influence the counsel one might receive as a result of that connection. It can be easier to focus on solutions to specific problems with impartial advisers.
Divorce is rarely easy and hindsight is a wonderful thing, usually coming too late to be of practical use. Seeking advice from appropriate sources may assist California residents in making decisions that forestall some of the more common problems. With the right guidance, it is possible to move forward into a more positive future.
Source: popsugar.com, “Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Divorce“, Laura Lifshitz, Jan. 1, 2016
