Divorce. Just this one simple word is surely already cramming your head with lots of paperwork and endless negotiations, among other things that you know won’t be quick and easy. The process is quite a tedious one, and going through it could exhaust you and wear you down.

Of course, there’s also the emotional turmoil you’ll go through as a divorcing couple. The kids will get affected by the decision of splitting up as well. The painful and wearisome process of a divorce is indeed something no one would wish to experience. However, if you’re already facing it, there’s no other way to get it done but to go with the proceedings head-on with the hope of the entire situation being as quick and painless as possible.

Divorce 101: Uncomplicating The Complicated

Just to put it out there: divorce is never easy, and it’ll always be complicated. Each State has its own unique set of rules and procedures that apply to divorce cases. It’s a good idea to do some research on your local state laws, so, for example, if you Google “uncontested divorce arizona” you will find a multitude of legal guides and resources that are applicable to that state so that you have a better idea of what to expect. But then if you could find ways to make it less complicated, why not give them a shot, right? Doing so might just save you not only time and energy but also unnecessary bouts of pain, regret, or even guilt.

Skilled divorce lawyers would be of big help when it comes to making the process quick and straightforward. Aside from knowing how the legal system works, they usually go the extra mile when it comes to advising couples during divorce on what needs to be done and how the procedure can be easier for both parties.

On your end, there are several things you can do to make your divorce go as smoothly as it possibly could.

1. Be Prepared

It pays to come prepared before tackling anything, and that’s also applicable when filing a divorce. Adequate preparation would go a long way if you want to make the procedure easier for everyone involved. What you can do is ask your lawyer for the list of documents you need to prepare so you can get them all sorted ahead of time.

Some of the key aspects you need to look into are the following:

Identification of debts and assets acquired before and after the marriage
Tax implications
Financial literacy

If you have a business, you also need to take of the legalities of it to make sure it won’t be negatively affected by the separation, especially if it’s a partnership with your spouse. Talk to your lawyer about such angles to educate yourself on what you can do to make the transition smoother and less complicated.

2. Break The News Directly To Family And Friends

Sometimes, divorces can be more painful if family and friends get into the picture. While they may feel the need to know the details, you don’t need to oblige to anything. The best way to go about it is to break the news honestly and directly.

However, don’t feel as though you have to answer questions about why you’re ending the marriage. You don’t owe anyone an explanation as far as your marital decisions are concerned. It's enough to let them know what you’re dealing with—anything beyond or above that is your prerogative.

3. Leave The Kids Out Of It

No matter how messy everything gets, keep in mind that your children don’t deserve the unnecessary emotional stress. Yes, it’s impossible for them not to feel the impact of the divorce, but there’s no need to burden them with the real reason of the separation or how you’re fighting one another for custody.

It’s best to be prepared for the court’s decision when it comes to the custody of the kids. Always place the interest of your children before anything else. If you can compromise, do so without hesitation. More than anything, your child’s mental and emotional health matter significantly, and the process can make them feel a lot of emotions. Try your best to negotiate and make do with what you can to make everything as comfortable as possible for them.

4. Communicate Positively

Getting a divorce doesn’t mean the marriage wasn’t successful. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of accepting what is and moving on with what you can. Perhaps one of the best things you can do to make the process less troublesome for everyone involved is to communicate well.

One effective way is to file for an uncontested divorce, especially if you and your partner both agree to most of the major issues involving the separation, such as child custody, division of properties, and child support. An uncontested divorce can make the process faster and less exhausting.

5. Take Care Of Yourself

This is one thing that most divorcing couples tend to forget doing. Keep in mind that divorce is a long process that could involve people turning sides and your spouse changing their mind every now and then, among the other emotional burdens you need to face alone.

Be kind to yourself. Join a divorce support group if you think that’ll help you cope with everything you’re going through. Understand that it’s not your fault and there’s nothing you could’ve done to completely prevent it from happening.

4 Ways To Make Your Divorce Process Quick And Painless