Divorce is stressful, no question. For some people it will be the single most stressful event of their lifetime. You are allowing complete strangers to delve into the most private parts of your life, and then make a judgment based on what they find. It all feels very out of your hands. And largely, it is. However, there are things you can do to make the process easier for you and easier for your attorney. Here is a list of 3 things you can do to feel more in control of your divorce and that help your attorney when representing you to a discerning court.

TELL THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

It is often difficult for us to be objective when we explain our side of the story. Attorney’s understand this. However, when you put your attorney in a position to be surprised in court with contradictory information and the proof to back it up, you are only hurting yourself. Favorable or unfavorable, the facts of your case are what your attorney has to work with. It’s impossible to construct a livable house without the right materials. Hiding and lying about things you feel will hurt your case can only make them more complicated, and more expensive, to deal with.

ABIDE BY THE JUDGES ORDERS, EVEN IF YOUR SPOUSE DOESN’T

Whatever order the judge gives, regardless of whether you agree, is your new normal. Temporary or not you need to abide by the judge’s decision until the court sees fit to change it. Even if your spouse is walking all over the order and not abiding by a single thing, your best course of action is to stay the course, control your frustrations, and let your attorney know what is going on. As difficult as that can be, it is your attorney’s job to address these issues with the court. Retaining control of your emotions, actions and reactions during this critical time will help you retain some control over your divorce case.

TREAT YOUR SPOUSE LIKE YOU WOULD A BUSINESS ASSOCIATE

As difficult as it may be to accept, your marriage has now devolved into a sort of business arrangement. You are entering into a legally binding contract with another person that sets forth provisions for rights, responsibilities, and codes of expected conduct for parties on both sides. It serves you, your spouse, and any children that you have in common to treat your spouse with the same respect you would a colleague. You would agree, I’m sure, that you want your divorce to be as amicable as possible. Leaving your emotions out of your communications with your spouse will go a long way in helping both of you stick to the pertinent issues that need to be dealt with and steer clear of rabbit holes that only serve to stir up painful emotions.

The Slaughter Law Firm understands the difficulties and challenges that divorce brings. If you are in need of legal advice or representation please call our law office today to schedule a consultation.