Top 10 Tips for an Easier Divorce: How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Divorce can be complex, both financially and emotionally. However, it can also be straightforward. Here are ten ways that can help make for an easier divorce that is less stressful.

You may be unsure of the future and have feelings of sadness, upset, and anger. However, letting these feelings guide your decision-making during your divorce can lead to outcomes that are not going to be beneficial to you in the long term. For example, refusing to compromise on a financial settlement could mean longer court battles and higher costs.

If possible, try to focus on your long-term future. Speak to your family law solicitor, who can advise you on how to reach a fair settlement based on your individual circumstances. You may also find it helpful to speak to a specialist divorce counsellor who can provide a confidential space to process emotions and help enable you to move forward with more clarity.

It is crucial to avoid involving your children in negative ways during your divorce. Sometimes a parent will involve their children in disputes or even try and use them as leverage against their ex-partner. This can be harmful for the well-being of everyone involved, including you. It can also backfire legally.

The needs of children will always be a priority in divorce. To help achieve this, we recommend that you create a parenting plan, as this can be a useful way to help reduce conflict. A Child Arrangements Order will outline important aspects of a child’s life following a separation or divorce.

It is a mistake to hide any income, savings, or investments during the financial disclosure part of the divorce. Attempting to hide assets will damage your credibility and may result in penalties. Being fully transparent about your finances is an important step towards a fair settlement. It will also help you avoid potentially costly disputes later on.

We advise that you speak to a family law solicitor about your divorce as early as you can. Without professional advice, there is a risk that you may agree to an unfair settlement. You may also make mistakes that are difficult to sort out later on. Speaking to a family law solicitor will prevent costly mistakes. They will be able to explain your rights and help you understand realistic outcomes in your case.

As a way of reducing conflict or avoiding legal fees, you may be thinking about making a quick and informal arrangement with your spouse. Please be aware that any verbal or handwritten agreements are not legally binding. This can cause problems later on. And even if you agree with everything in your divorce, you should make sure to turn your agreement into a legally binding consent order approved by the court.

Try and think about your divorce settlement in terms of fairness, not victory for one side. In reality, this may mean that you don’t walk away with everything you want. A family law solicitor will be able to assess likely outcomes based on the law and your circumstances. This will include the way your family home, pensions, and any other matrimonial assets may be divided. They can also offer guidance about child and spousal maintenance.

Your long-term financial security should be the priority. Many people may be more focused on how property assets are split in their divorce. This is, of course, important, but it’s also worth considering pensions, which can sometimes be just as valuable. If you overlook retirement provision now, it may leave you financially vulnerable later. Your family law solicitor will be able to ensure that pensions (and any other savings and investments) are properly valued and part of the financial settlement.

If possible, you should consider mediation as a first step. Mediation can offer a less confrontational and potentially more cost-effective way to reach agreements in divorce proceedings. Many separating couples find that mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution help them communicate better and reach workable solutions. Even if it doesn’t resolve everything, it can be a useful way to help reduce conflict.

We advise that you make your well-being a priority during divorce. Be kind to yourself and try not to neglect your well-being during your divorce proceedings. Things like poor sleep, stress, and anxiety will not be helpful when you are having to make important decisions. Try and take care of yourself physically and emotionally and consider talking to a counsellor for additional support.

You will, of course, focus on your immediate challenges of divorce – perhaps this will be your living arrangements, your day-to-day finances, or childcare. While these are important, you should also be thinking about your long-term future in any decisions you make.

Try and think clearly about where you want to be in five or ten years. For example, as your children grow up, will your parenting plan still work? Or does your financial settlement provide long-term security for you and your family? Think about your long-term future, not just today or tomorrow. Your family law solicitor will be able to advise you.

You can help make the process easier and fairer by avoiding these common divorce mistakes. If you are thinking about getting divorced, the best step you can take is to talk to a family law solicitor and get expert advice. With the right support, you will be able to move forward with confidence.

Ready to take the next step? As leading family law solicitors in Milton Keynes , our team of divorce specialists can advise and guide you from the moment we start working with you.

In addition to our head office in Milton Keynes, we also have offices in Bicester, Watford, and London where we can arrange appointments to see you in person. Talk to us in confidence and find out where you stand. Get in touch – we’re here to help.

This article is intended for the use of our clients and other interested parties. The information contained in it reflects the author’s view and is believed to be correct at the date of publication. However, it is necessarily of a brief and general nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional legal advice.