Separating from a partner is always a difficult and emotional situation to face in life, but there are a number of steps you can take to try and keep things amicable. Having a drama and conflict-free separation or divorce makes things easier for all parties, so keep reading to find out how you can help achieve this.
Respecting Your Own And Your Ex-Partners Feelings
Depending on the circumstances that have led to your separation, it is understandable if there are some raw emotions there. You could feel angry, disappointed, or resentful of your ex-partner. However, regardless of what has happened, respecting each other’s feelings and trying to stay as amicable as possible will make the separation process better and make it easier for you both to move on with your lives.
Try to avoid making decisions regarding your separation out of spite or because you want to get “one-up” over them. This can be easier said than done when you’re feeling hurt, so consider support through systems such as counseling that can help you work through difficult emotions and start to recover both during and after your separation.
Agreeing On Arrangements For Coparenting
If you and your ex-partner have children, then you will need to try and come to an arrangement regarding how you will be co-parenting them. This should always be done with the wellbeing of the child as the focus, and what will be best for them both practically and emotionally. Communication is key when it comes to successful co-parenting. Although you may not be too enthusiastic about having regular contact with your ex-partner, you will have to in order to arrange your co-parenting situation.
Child Arrangement Orders
If, however, it’s impossible to come to an amicable arrangement between yourselves regarding co-parenting arrangements, then you could organize this through a child arrangement order. A child arrangement order is organized through a court order and outlines the arrangements for where your child or children will live and how they will spend their time between parents.
It helps to avoid ex-partners communicating with each other as much as a privately arranged agreement, reducing the risk of conflicts and their effects on the children involved. You will need to have a solicitor to represent you in these matters and navigate the legal space. National Legal Service solicitors can help you through all areas of child arrangement orders to help you reach the fairest decision for you and your children.
Deciding How Assets And Possessions Will Be Divided
As part of your separation or divorce, you will need to decide who will be keeping certain assets and possessions that you’ve previously shared. This might include things such as:
- Property
- Pets
- Valuables
- Finances
- Cars
You will also need to come to an arrangement on how any debts and outstanding payments for shared possessions or loans will be paid off between you both. This may require you to hire a solicitor to come to an agreement if you have differing opinions on who is responsible for certain debts.