A Complete Guide to Keeping
Your Divorce Amicable

If your divorce is amicable, the legal process may look a bit
different than usual. Learn more in this comprehensive overview.

What Is an Amicable Divorce?

You may have heard the term “amicable divorces” and may be wondering what it means for your situation. When you first got married, you likely never anticipated getting divorced. People change, and life happens. Regardless of why you or your partner decided to initiate a divorce, it doesn’t have to be volatile. In fact, studies show that people who divorce on good terms have less stress and fewer court costs than those who fight it out in the courts.

Whether or not you agree with the decision to divorce, and regardless of whether you can cooperate and compromise during the separation, you would benefit from professional advice from Compassionate Divorce.

Uncontested Amicable Divorce

An uncontested amicable divorce means the parties reach an agreement on all of their issues without the necessity of court intervention. In these divorces, both parties agree on all problems arising from a divorce, including child support, spousal support, and property division.

An uncontested divorce does not mean that both parties necessarily agree or even like each other. It simply means that the other party agrees on all of the issues arising from their union and can avoid costly litigation over those issues.

Amicable Divorce Cost

An amicable divorce costs less because it results in less time spent in court. An amicable separation cost is less expensive than a contentious divorce cost for several reasons:

  • Less time in court
  • Less divorce attorney fee
  • Fewer professionals hired
  • Document preparation
  • Additional litigation costs

In contrast, the costs of divorce rise when couples choose a contested divorce process, and there are multiple issues to resolve. For instance, if a couple needs to divide the real estate, retirement accounts, and debts, then the process may become drawn out and expensive.

How to Have an Amicable Divorce

Many people wonder if it’s possible to have an amicable divorce when a union ends. If both spouses agree to see their union end optimally for each other, there will likely be an amicable divorce. Both parties agree on seeing issues like child care and alimony resolved in these cases.

Amicable Divorce Checklist

If you and your former spouses have decided to pursue an out-of-court divorce, you need an amicable divorce checklist. This will help you stay on track for a smooth and stress-free divorce process.

  1. Hire a Divorce Lawyer: A divorce attorney will help you and your spouse communicate clearly and work through any conflict as it arises. The divorce attorney can also offer specific legal advice and guidance when you hit a roadblock.
  2. Ask for Help from Family Members or Friends: Sometimes, simply talking through problems with someone else is all it takes to reach an agreement with your spouse. While at this, always ensure that it’s a neutral third party to avoid complicating the issues further.
  3. Do Your Homework: Knowledge is power, especially when facing divorce. There is a need to learn everything about the divorce process that will put you in control of the situation and help keep things running smoothly.

By following the checklist and engaging the team’s help at Compassionate Divorce, you will have taken steps to reach an amicable and collaborative divorce.

Creating an Amicable Divorce Agreement

An amicable divorce agreement is a mutual understanding between the two parties. This means that both spouses have concluded their marital issues. They are aware that they cannot resolve their differences and have agreed to end their marriage peacefully and painlessly without any conflicts along the way.

Many couples wish to end their marriages amicably to avoid court battles and expensive fees associated with contested divorces.

Reasons for Amicable Divorce

There are many reasons that people choose to get an amicable divorce. For example:

  • They want to keep their children from going through stressful situations.
  • They want to minimize conflict between one another after getting divorced.
  • They want to keep their financial situation intact.
  • They do not want to fight about things that don’t matter in the long run.
  • They want fewer court visits.

Although it isn’t easy and, in some cases, may be impossible, a civil divorce is a painless divorce in the best interest of everyone involved. Obtaining the legal assistance of a reliable and sympathetic lawyer may help you act in the best interests of your children.

Amicable Divorce Process

If you have decided that divorce is the best move for you and your family, figuring out what is required for an amicable divorce process is your next step. The process begins by filling out a petition, which must be served to your spouse’s attorney. Then, both parties will prepare a marital settlement agreement (MSA), which will outline how the couple intends to divide their assets and debts.

The MSA will also provide information on child custody and visitation if minor children are involved. If everything is agreed upon, the couple can sign the MSA and submit it to the court as part of their judgment packet. Once this is presented, the judge makes the final judgment, marking the end of the case.

Tips for a Successful Amicable Divorce

When successfully separating, both spouses must be willing to compromise and work together to benefit all family members. The following are some tips for reaching an agreement:

  • Divorce laws vary from state to state. Therefore, each spouse needs to understand how property will be divided, how you will handle custody, who will be responsible for child support and alimony, how much money will be spent, etc.
  • It’s important to prioritize goals so that you can focus on the most important ones first when going through negotiations with your spouse.
  • Stay on top of the situation by learning your rights and responsibilities regarding all aspects of divorce.
  • Find a good lawyer who practices uncontested divorces and keep them informed of any changes in your situation.
  • Be proactive by making sure that there are no wrong decisions concerning your minor children.
  • Keep track of financial matters by being aware of household expenses and income for both parties.

Divorce lawyers can advise you of divorce law in your area and help mediate the process between you and the other party.

Things to Remember When Getting an Amicable Divorce

There are certain things you need to remember when getting an amicable divorce. The first thing to remember about an out-of-court divorce is how completing the process without conflict will be better for all involved. It may take some time before things are settled during an uncontested divorce. You might be able to determine within a few months, but it could take longer depending on the complexity of your case.

Divorce is never easy. It can cause a lot of anxiety and stress, which is why it’s essential to take the appropriate steps to be as prepared as possible. For those seeking an amicable divorce, it means that everyone involved has the mindset of seeking peace throughout the process.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you won’t go through some rough patches or unpleasant situations. If you are willing to work together with the other party while being honest with one another, an out-of-court divorce is ideal.

Get a good lawyer from Compassionate Divorce, and you can move on with your life without being consumed by anger and resentment.