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Benefits of a Civilized Divorce

by | Mar 30, 2023 | Uncategorized |

When you think of “divorce,” you often do not imagine the word “civil” being added to the phrase. While a divorce is a legal proceeding, this does not mean it must be a long, brutal, and expensive process. Unlike the dramatized version of divorce trials portrayed in TV shows and movies, the large majority of divorces are concluded with the parties reaching an agreement that settles the case. The goal of both parties should be an equitable settlement of their disputes. It takes both sides to agree to settle the divorce, which means civility between the parties is important. It is hard to settle divorces when one or both parties are constantly at war with one another. Sometimes real disputes exist that are not easy to resolve. Lowering the rancor between the parties, however, will help resolve even the most complex case.

Reasons to Try for a Civil Divorce

There are many benefits of opting for a “civil” divorce. A few of these include: 

  • A quicker process – If you and your spouse can agree on all or most of the issues you will have to resolve, the divorce will not take nearly as long as a hotly contested divorce.
  • Less expensive – When you and your spouse can reach an agreement on issues, it reduces the amount of work your attorneys will have to do on your behalf. This reduces the length of the divorce process and can significantly reduce the cost of the divorce.
  • Easier co-parenting – If you and your spouse have children together, it’s important to remember that the divorce will not be the end of your relationship. You’ll still have to share parental duties in a way that is healthy for your child, and keeping the divorce civil can make this transition to co-parenting easier for some couples.

Keeping The Divorce “Civil” Can Be Hard

A divorce is not an easy process. There are many reasons people get divorced. Sometimes there is substance abuse, infidelity, neglect, physical abuse, or emotional abuse. The events causing the divorce can make it very difficult to maintain any level of civility. It is not easy, but maintaining civility will help resolve the divorce and may help you move on more quickly. Many issues will come up during the divorce that can cause a breakdown in civility by one or both parties. Some of the most comment issues include:

These topics can be challenging to talk about, and when you and your spouse are going through a divorce, resolving these issues can lead to considerable rancor. An important point to keep in mind is that conflict can make it more difficult to resolve the divorce, which will probably increase the cost of the divorce process.

Consider Your Priorities

Even when you have good intentions for keeping the divorce civil, your spouse or their attorney could make it difficult. And to be sure, some goals are worth fighting for, like more time with your children. When conflict is inevitable, remember to keep the big picture in mind. What are your goals for yourself and your family after the divorce? If the item in dispute isn’t going to have a big impact on your life post-divorce, think carefully about how much of your time and energy it’s worth.

Talk to a Skilled Michigan Divorce Attorney Right Away

When you’re contemplating a divorce, it is advisable to speak with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the process and help determine if you can move forward with a “civil” divorce. At the Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins, our legal team is dedicated to excellence and service, and we look forward to helping you through this difficult time. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. 

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