Although no one gets married planning for a divorce, sometimes people are better off apart.  Maybe they’re better as friends or maybe they’re so toxic together that divorce is the healthiest option for everyone involved.  The end of a relationship – even more so a marriage – can be a tough thing to process both mentally and emotionally.  In the next few posts, we’ll look at some things to consider if you find yourself at the end of your marriage road.

First, remember that the two of you loved each other at some point or you wouldn’t be married in the first place.  Try to use that memory as the foundation for your decisions moving forward, especially if there are children involved.  Revenge may sound good in theory, but is it worth the time, energy, heart and money it will cost you?  Probably not.  Getting back at the spouse who hurt you or taking your spouse to the cleaners may make you feel better now, but it’s likely to cost you (or, more importantly, your children) in the end.  Couples who can amicably dissolve their marriage are more likely to be able to effectively coparent post-divorce.

Research reveals that anywhere from 2 to 10 percent of divorce cases are decided by a judge.  That means an overwhelming majority of divorces are settled amicably between the parties (with or without their lawyers) or in mediation.  You have more control over the outcome of the situation if you are willing to negotiate in good faith with the other party than you do if the decision goes to a divorce master or even the judge.  Would you rather control your destiny or let a stranger who is only going to hear a portion of your story decide for you?

On top of giving you more control over the outcome, uncontested divorces are resolved in a fraction of the time as a contested divorce.  An uncontested divorce can be finalized in roughly 120-150 days, depending on the specific facts of your circumstances.  A contested divorce, which requires a separation period of at least one year, may take up to 15 months or even longer.

If you or your spouse has decided it’s time to end your marriage, give us a call at 724.550.6970.  We offer a free 30-minute consultation and would love to discuss how we may help you with your divorce.

*Disclaimer: this article is for informational purposes only. It is not providing legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship.