Get Yourself Ready For Divorce Court
When it comes to divorce, you can take a lot of stress and money away from the experience if you can work things out without involving a judge. If you do need to go to court to deal with important issues like child custody, property dispositions, and debt distribution, you would do well to be prepared. Read on, and take heed of the following tips that might get you through this experience in a positive fashion.
Practice Self-care
This term has become trendy, but the meaning is both clear and vital. You must care for yourself at all times but particularly in times of great stress and upheaval.
No matter how complicated or simple your divorce may be, almost anyone can benefit from professional mental health therapy. You might only need for someone to get you started on using good coping skills, such as practicing positive self-talk, meditation, and other good-for-you strategies to preserve your peace of mind.
Divorces involve emotional issues, and no how good you are at making decisions, you might need some help to get you through this next few months.
Consider Mediation
This form of dealing with divisive divorce issues has become so popular that you should not be surprised to find it a part of your divorce as required by law. Just about every couple with unresolved issues can benefit from this manner of taking a subject and exploring options in a non-combative manner using a neutral third-party professional mediator.
Place a Priority on the Children
You can rest assured that the courts see children as a protected class when it comes to divorce, and so should you. No matter how old or mature they are, they are very likely to feel the effects of your stress, anger, confusion, and depression that arise as you deal with an upcoming separation and divorce.
To help your children cope:
1. Provide them with plenty of time with both parents regardless of the living situation.
2. Avoid bad-mouthing the other parent in front of the child.
3. The courtroom is no place for a child. Make other arrangements for their care.
4. Avoid using them either as pawns or as a reward for other divorce issues. For example, never trade property for time with the child, no matter how private you think the arrangement might be.
5. Never leave it up to the child when it comes to decisions about custody and visitation. Older children may, if they wish, express their opinions, however.
Behave Yourself in Court
Emotional and highly-stressful activities like divorce court can bring out the worst in people so don't be that person that reacts badly in front of the judge. Being cool, calm, and mature can go a long way in showing that you are capable of being the right custodial parent, in being awarded marital property, and in getting a fair financial settlement.
For more tips on coping with an inevitable divorce court experience, speak with a divorce attorney through a law office such as the Bray & Johnson Law Firm.