It is never easy to deal with a contested divorce in which you feel that you are constantly fighting with the other party. You may not want to answer your calls or check your text messages for fear of getting into another conflict.
This kind of scenario is hard on people, but it is possible to get through it. You can focus on taking steps to resolve your divorce, such as by trying alternative dispute resolution, or building your own case to litigate your divorce in court.
In the meantime, there are three things you can do to make even a contested divorce easier on you.
- Get off social media
One of the worst things you can do during a contested divorce is go onto social media and discuss your case or put up information that your soon-to-be-ex-spouse could use against you. Instead, shut down your social media and keep it deactivated at least until your divorce is resolved. Doing this cuts down on the methods for communicating with you, too, so all divorce-related communication will be done via phone calls, letters, emails or texts.
- Nip aggression when it begins
It is helpful to talk to your attorney about your ex’s behavior if they are being abusive or harassing. You may be able to get a restraining order or other court order to limit contact. Sometimes, negotiating between your attorneys with no other contact is better.
- Report bad behavior as soon as you can
Finally, let your attorney know about any unacceptable behavior as soon as you can. If your ex breaks a restraining order, violates a custody order or otherwise is causing you distress, let your attorney know. Keeping evidence of this behavior may be helpful in resolving your case and getting you what you need out of your divorce in the future.
These are three tips to help you handle your contested divorce. It may be troubling to work through these problems right now, but you can resolve your divorce and move forward with your life if you take protective measures and push forward in court.