How to minimise conflict in divorce

Going through a divorce can be a difficult process and it can potentially cause a lot of conflict between you and your partner. The breakdown of a relationship can cause heightened emotions as you’ll both be going through a tough time. 

However, trying to keep conflict to a minimum can help make the divorce proceedings run a lot smoother. In this article, we’ll be offering some helpful advice on how you can reduce conflict and divorce amicably. 

Conflict and divorce

It can be difficult to separate your emotions of your relationship breakdown from the legal proceedings of a divorce. The matter is a sensitive one and it can naturally cause a rise in conflict between you and your partner. 

Divorces that experience high levels of conflict tend to be lengthier, and may be more expensive, too. Navigating this conflict is important, especially if it’s starting to take a toll on your mental health and the emotions of those closest to you.

Benefits of keeping conflict to a minimum

Amicable divorces with minimal conflict will often experience a smoother and faster process overall. Little to no conflict can also set you up for an ideal post-divorce relationship, ensuring you can maintain a positive outlook on any future issues that may arise. 

Minimal conflict is also important when children are involved. The last thing you want is to create an unstable and uncomfortable environment for your children to grow up in, and you want to show them that you can be great parents, regardless of the circumstances. 

Solutions for resolving conflict

We understand that conflict in divorce is sometimes unavoidable, especially if you don’t have a good relationship with your ex-partner. 

Some couples may need the help of court intervention, but there are a number of methods that can help you avoid this and are referred to as alternative dispute resolutions (ADR). These include: 

• Mediation
• Collaborative law
• Lawyer-led negotiations and round table meetings
• Arbitration

If you are in the process of starting a divorce online, you can seek the advice of friendly and knowledgeable legal experts who can help support you in coming to mutually agreeable solutions with your spouse. 

Tips for reducing the level of conflict

There are a few tips on how you can minimise the level of conflict in your divorce, such as taking responsibility for your behaviour. Trying to keep communication channels open and honest is central to a lower conflict divorce. Try to move past any wrongdoings so you can reach an agreement quickly and easily.

It’s always important to keep an open mind. If one approach to resolving the conflict isn’t working, try another one. Don’t just assume that you’ll never get past this stage in your life. Be prepared to listen to your partner and be open to compromise. 

And, remember that if you have children, they should always come first. Negative behaviour can have a long-lasting effect on your kids. Instead, you should be helping them adapt to these changes and working out how best to co-parent. 

Ensure to get the right support from expert family lawyers who can offer the appropriate guidance on how best to resolve any conflict between you and your partner during a divorce.