Almost every element of the divorce process is either complex or painful and reaching a financial settlement can be one of the most difficult tasks. There are a number of things that you can do, however, to make a settlement easier to achieve and to minimise the emotional impact on all concerned.

Listen to divorce solicitors

If you have failed to reach an amicable agreement and have enlisted the services of a legal adviser, listen to what they are telling you. Divorce specialists will offer you objective advice that is not driven by the emotional aspects of your divorce. It is important to heed this advice. Whilst you will naturally feel inclined to question every detail, it is essential that you strive to reach an acceptable settlement rather allowing any desire to exact revenge or settle scores to dominate your thinking.

As difficult as this may be, you should try to separate your emotions from the need to finalise a settlement. Sympathetic as they may be, family law solicitors and divorce specialists are there to offer legal advice rather than for your emotional well-being. Talk to family, friends and perhaps a professional counsellor about your feelings and allow your solicitors to deal with the practical elements of your divorce settlement.

Be honest and understanding

Honesty with both yourself and your solicitor is an essential factor in reaching a divorce settlement, as is trying to understand your former partner’s perspective. People deal with a divorce in very different ways and may reach various stages of the process at different times. For example, you may have started to feel anger whilst your former partner is still in denial.

It is essential that you at least try to consider what may be occurring in their lives and that you thus allow adequate time in order to achieve the best results for all concerned. Try to temper your own feelings of anger or frustration and remain as civil as possible when contact is necessary. This will reduce the emotional impact on children and adults alike. It is also likely to elicit a more reasonable response from your former partner.

Knowledge is power

There is absolutely no point in burying your head in the sand if you need help to achieve a financial settlement. Both you and your former partner will need to go to different legal firms and you should make it your business to understand the relevant elements of the legal process and ask to questions when necessary. This will ensure that you feel more in control of a situation that can otherwise leave you feeling devoid of any sense of power in so many ways.

Don’t be influenced by the experiences or advice of those who lack legal qualifications. Many of them may well have their own agenda and everyone’s experience of the process is different. Instead, ensure that you take adequate legal advice, do your own independent research and be willing to take heed of the expert guidance you are given.

This article was written by The Co-operative Legal Services Family Law solicitors.

If you would like advice on divorce or other Family Law related issues please visit their website. They offer fixed fee divorce advice and transparently priced options and can work with you to give you the help you need.