Divorce is never easy, which is why it’s important to find compassionate guidance to help you navigate the associated challenges. With the help of divorce and family law lawyers, like the team at Wells Family Law, you can get the resources, information and help you need to find the best resolutions for you.
Wells Family Law’s preferred practice areas are property division, spousal support, child support and custody-related matters. The firm consistently approaches client cases with compassion, care and patience, recognizing that matters in family law can be complex and overwhelming for families.
Here, Kathleen Wells, Wells Family Law founder and lawyer, offers five suggestions for going through a separation.
Ensure the children are the priority
When children are involved, they must always be the priority. Wells suggests parents should carefully consider how they talk about the other parent and when to talk about the separation with their children. She suggests parents should never discuss the breakdown of a relationship while the children are home, and let them know they never have to pick sides.
“Ask yourself, ‘What would you want your child to remember about their parents and their divorce when they’re adults?’ What you do and how you act now is going to have a lifetime impact on your child, so choose your actions, reactions and words wisely,” says Wells.
Maintain clear, respectful communication
It’s easy to match a temper or say something out of retaliation. You can’t control your ex’s thoughts or actions; you can only control how you communicate with them. Wells suggests crafting clear, concise emails when you are calm.
Establish set times to communicate important information. This helps both parties come prepared, feel calmer and be ready to cover the important matters. Don’t get sidetracked; stick to what needs to be discussed.
Understand what you truly need
It’s important to understand and prioritize what you need, not necessarily what you want. Throughout her time working as a lawyer, Wells is of the opinion that “the most important need is health — the health of yourself and your children. Decide who and what you need to accomplish those,” she says.
Wells also suggests getting professional financial advice to help understand what you immediately need to support yourself and your children, and to help make a plan for what you will require in the future. For things like parenting schedules, Wells suggests keeping an open mind. You may want a specific schedule, but consider what you actually need to make coparenting work.
Choose professional advice over friendly advice
While support from family and friends is essential, don’t let the overblown myths about divorce get to your head. Family and friends will tell you what you want to hear; professionals will tell you what you need to hear.
A legal team will ensure appropriate representation, a psychologist can help with the emotional challenges and a financial expert can advise you on your financial future.
Avoid going to court
Wells says a resolution through the court should be the last resort. It’s best to avoid the time and cost of going to court, and instead work together to compromise. She recommends considering what may be an equitable agreement, rather than a perfectly equal agreement.
To learn more about Wells Family Law, visit wellsfamilylaw.com.
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