If you have decided to get a divorce, it is usually after much consideration, and may have been arrived at if your partner is difficult and/or abusive in some way. When a partner like this is in disagreement about the divorce plans, things can get ugly, fast. They may refuse to talk about how to divide finances, belongings, and other assets, make threats about taking your children away from you, and refuse to sign papers or meet with Divorce Attorneys in Silverdale WA. Generally, this is what is known as a contested divorce, and it is very difficult to deal with. Here is what you should do:
- In most situations, couples decide how to split finances and assets on their own. In a contested divorce, you will probably be unable to do this because your spouse will not cooperate or will make outlandish demands. In this situation, a judge will help decide on a fair division of marital assets after reviewing circumstances related to the case. However, it is a good idea to draft a proposal and give it to your lawyer to give to your spouse’s legal counsel. They may encourage your spouse to accept the terms if they are reasonable.
- Never badmouth your spouse to your children. This is not only harmful to your children, but it can sway the judge in favor of your spouse in some situations. If your spouse is saying negative things about you to the children, talk to your kids about it and assure them that their parents both still love them. Write to your spouse’s attorney explaining what the children have told you. This will prompt most Divorce Attorneys in Silverdale WA to recommend their clients stop this behaviour.
- During your meetings with the judge and during your divorce trial, avoid lashing out at your spouse, even if they provoke you. This will not only cause you undue stress, but make you look bad in the eyes of the judge.
When you do have a face to face meeting with your partner, disengage if they become hostile, difficult, or abusive. Ask that they communicate with you through their Divorce Attorneys in Silverdale WA, and do not hesitate to call the police if you feel threatened. Above all, try to remain calm and collected throughout the process, remembering that it will not last forever.
