Over the years, we've learned a thing or two about what makes a divorce case more or less stressful. Here are four tips for making your divorce as stress-free as possible.
Tip # 1 - Choose The Attorney Who Is A "Good Fit" For You
Going through a divorce is a major life event and it's important that you choose an attorney you're comfortable with throughout the process. It's always good to get recommendations from those you trust most in your support network, but make sure you interview each attorney before making a final hiring decision.
If you find yourself sitting across from the attorney and you aren't at ease enough to tell them everything they need to know about your case, move on to the next name on the list. Most attorneys charge a consultation fee for these initial appointments, but that fee is far less expensive than paying thousands of dollars to retain an attorney you don't feel comfortable working with during your case.
Tip #2 - Keep Updated About Your Case
Read over the documents your attorney sends you as soon as you receive them. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. If you ask a question, your attorney should be able to help you answer that questions. In the end, getting an answer to a question will allow you to be more informed and more confident in the decisions you make.
Don't "stick your head in the sand" when it comes to communicating with your attorney. Don't avoid opening mail, reading emails, and taking phone calls. This will lead to more stress in the long run. Many decisions in a family law case may be time-sensitive, so if you avoid contact, you may be damaging your case without realizing it.
Tip #3 - Hire Experts For Complicated Issues
If your case is complicated, you may need to hire experts to handle certain custody, financial, or property issues. These experts can include forensic custody evaluators, psychologists, psychiatrists, business evaluators, forensic accountants, financial advisors, or tax planners. Your attorney should have a list to recommend which experts are right for your case. If you can get a team of experts together, you won't need to worry about whether your soon-to-be ex-spouse is taking advantage of you in the divorce proceeding.
Tip # 4 - Don't Fight About The Ugly Holiday Ornaments And Board Games
Unfortunately, some people going through a divorce will fight over every single piece of property. Don't do this. Those ugly Christmas ornaments that you despise? Those board games that you haven't played in ten years? You can spend thousands of dollars in attorney time fighting to keep them. The short-lived gratification you may get by retaining these items will only increase your stress. Deciding what is really most important to you will help reduce your stress during the divorce.
