Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging things anyone can endure. Once the dust has settled, the last thing you want is to continue arguing with your ex over petty issues that should have been resolved already. Add kids to the mix and things can get even more complicated as your children grow and their needs change. We’ve compiled some tips that you can use to create a divorce settlement that lasts!
Set your Differences aside and Pick your Battles
This one might be the hardest. You’re getting divorced for a reason, right? When you’re going through negotiations, the last thing you want is to come across as greedy and vindictive. Think about what you really want to achieve and focus on that above all else. Depending on the circumstances, you might want to financially ruin your ex and “take them for all they are worth.” Not only will that cause them to push back harder, but that can also create a lifetime of resentment. You do not need someone thinking about ways to reciprocate years down the line, when you least expect it. Remain cordial, and take the high road, no matter how much it pains you.
If you have Children, Prioritize their Need
Surprisingly, this is not obvious to everyone. A divorce is traumatic not just for you and your ex, but especially for your children. Studies have shown that a divorce can have a huge impact on a child’s psychological development and how they perceive themselves. Children see parents as an extension of themselves, so they take it personally when you start badmouthing or complaining about your ex around them.
In Florida, parenting plans settled in court are split as evenly as possible for the best interest of the child. If you work with your ex and a lawyer through mediation, you can develop a parenting plan that actually has longevity. For example, if your child is very young when you first get divorced, their needs are totally different from what their needs will be 10-15 years later. It’s impossible to know exactly what kind of lifestyle your kid will have when they’ve grown up, but plan for the possibility of a vibrant social life with extracurricular activities, or even a job! Going back to court to update a parenting plan isn’t easy and will create an even bigger headache.
Get a good lawyer!
This should go without saying, but a good lawyer will do wonders for not only a divorce settlement but also your peace of mind. Time heals all wounds, but if you can’t even be in the same room as your ex, a lawyer can negotiate for you. They don’t have the same emotional baggage and negative experiences with your ex as you do, so having an impartial person to settle disputes can really help in the long run. An experienced divorce lawyer has literally seen it all, and won’t take your ex’s quirks personally. Your lawyer will also give you realistic advice and guide you through the process to make it as efficient as possible, so you can go back to living your life, free from your ex.
There is a happy life waiting for you. Our trusted Legal Team provides bilingual legal services in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. We handle all financial aspects of Florida Divorces, including Mediation, Postnuptial Agreements, and Asset Protection.
