Even under the best circumstances, divorce is an emotionally difficult, life-changing experience. Unfortunately, the heightened emotions involved often lead divorcing spouses to engage in long, contentious legal battles that drain resources and only add to the strain. If your marriage is ending, here are a few tips to help you navigate the process as peacefully as possible.

How to Have a Peaceful Divorce

1. Stay Respectful

No matter how angry you might be, it’s in your best interests to treat your partner with respect. Using the divorce as a forum for airing your grievances will only make fruitful negotiation impossible. Staying respectful of your spouse throughout the process could help you resolve important issues—without resorting to courtroom litigation.

2. Work With a Professional

If you and your spouse are willing to negotiate a compromise, an attorney can help mediate a settlement both parties can accept. In addition to ensuring your rights are protected, the best divorce lawyers have the skills to keep your negotiations on track.

3. Define Your Goals

Before you start negotiating a settlement, decide what you want out of the arrangement, being as specific as possible. For instance, you may decide that your spouse can take the family home, but you really want a larger share of the savings. Knowing what’s important to you enables your attorney to develop a negotiation strategy, trading away things that don’t matter in exchange for achieving your goals.

4. Find Someone to Discuss Your Feelings With

Unresolved negative emotions will inevitably come out in negotiation, triggering intense conflict over matters you may not actually care about. Having a trusted friend, family member, or therapist with whom you can work through your feelings will help you approach negotiations with a clear mind.

If you’re going through a divorce, the legal team at Katzman, Logan, Halper and Bennett in Cincinnati, OH, is committed to providing you with the level of service they would expect for themselves. With almost 100 years of combined experience, they have the skills and resources to make this difficult process as easy as possible, ensuring your rights are protected. Visit their website for a comprehensive look at their legal services, follow their Facebook page for more tips and advice, and call (513) 793-4400 to schedule a consultation with an attorney.