Benefits of Low-Conflict Divorce
Divorces are often emotionally-charged, heated affairs. It’s hard not to get your feelings wrapped up in the matter. Parties who can keep things civil and proceed amicably, however, find the process much less challenging. There are many benefits to keeping a divorce low-conflict wherever possible. Read on for a discussion of a few of the biggest advantages to low-conflict divorce, and call a compassionate New Jersey divorce lawyer for advice and representation.
Easier for the Kids
Divorces can be tough on shared children. They might not understand fully what is happening, they may blame themselves, and they may have other issues adjusting. Studies have shown, however, that the conflict between the parents is what affects children the most. Effective co-parenting is difficult when the parents are constantly at each other’s throats. Children will notice and absorb the hostility.
Low-conflict divorces leave you with more emotional energy to invest in your children. It minimizes fights you might have in front of or involving the children. You’ll have more patience in resolving child custody issues, and you and your spouse will be better equipped to modulate your behavior and keep the kids out of any conflicts you do have.
Less Time, Less Money
High conflict divorces are likely to take much longer to resolve, and they will involve more disputes before the court. The more you and your spouse disagree, and the more fervent your disagreements, the less likely you are to reach a settlement. The longer the case drags on, the more time and energy you will spend on the divorce. Lawsuits cost money–attorney fees, court fees, expert fees, etc.–and the longer they go, the more money they cost.
A low conflict divorce is more likely to be resolved quickly and amicably. You can reach an agreement in mediation or settlement negotiation sessions, present it to the court, and have your entire case (or as much as you can agree upon) resolved relatively quickly. Alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation work best when the parties can approach issues in a low-conflict manner. You’ll save time, emotional energy, and money.
Better for Your Career
The time and energy you spend on your divorce can impact your focus and effort in other parts of your life, such as your job. High-conflict divorces are likely to take even more of a toll, keeping emotions high and your efforts placed on legal arguments and social conflicts. High conflict divorces also take longer to resolve, which keeps your focus off of your job for a longer period of time. Low-conflict divorces can be resolved quickly, amicably, and with minimal added effort, allowing you to focus on other things in your life.
Easier on You
Divorces can be hard at the best of times. A high-conflict divorce is likely to take even more out of you as you fight tooth and nail over every asset, custody arrangement, or other items. It’s easy to become depressed, anxious, stressed, or otherwise suffer mental health issues.
Low conflict divorces can help to minimize these added stressors and help you leave your divorce up to your attorney. You can focus on your mental health, your social life, your family, your hobbies, and your physical health and exercise. You’ll also get through the divorce faster, which means moving on to the next phase of your life sooner.
Focus on What Actually Matters
High-conflict divorces are likely to create conflicts just for the sake of conflict. You may not care about taking the family car, but when you are in the heat of passion you will fight about it just to get one up on your ex. The same might happen during custody disputes; shared custody and equal parenting time might suit the parents and the children the best, but in high-conflict divorces, the parents might fight just for the sake of fighting.
In a low-conflict divorce, you are better able to make compromises and focus on the assets and custody issues that actually matter to you. You’ll be more willing to give up your part of the family business in exchange for the house because that’s what you really want to keep anyway. Parties and their lawyers can get to the heart of the matter, resolve any disagreements in a reasonable manner, and identify which things truly matter to each party. You’ll get more of what you want out of the divorce, and you’ll be in greater control throughout the process.
Call a Skilled New Jersey Divorce and Mediation Attorney Today
If you’re considering divorce or dealing with issues involving parental rights, child custody, equitable division of property, alimony/spousal support, child support, or other family law matters in New Jersey, contact the accomplished and effective Union family law attorney John B. D’Alessandro for a consultation.