While you may not necessarily need to talk to your spouse during divorce, communicating can smoothen your process.
You need to communicate effectively to avoid conflicts that may further complicate the process. Below are two tips for communicating with your spouse during divorce:
Handle conversations as business transactions
You and your soon-to-be ex-spouse should not communicate like you are still in a relationship. You need to handle your discussions like business transactions. This means having an agenda for a meeting/ phone call/ or text, being respectful, fairly negotiating your wishes and clearly communicating your concerns.
It may be challenging not to get emotional when discussing matters related to the dissolution of your marriage. Nonetheless, you should try to manage your emotions. You don’t want to get angry or act in a way that may disadvantage you, especially if child custody is at stake in your divorce.
If your spouse contacts you when you are not relaxed, perhaps you have had a long day at work or are running errands, politely ask to postpone the discussion. It can also help to agree on the time and day to have conversations to be prepared beforehand.
Agree on what to discuss
Agreeing on what to discuss can save you from unnecessary conflict. If your spouse wants to talk about a subject that you feel is better avoided, you can decline to participate in the conversation.
Be brief
When communicating with your spouse, it’s vital to be brief. The few sentences you convey should be informative enough. Sending long texts or staying on phone calls for too long can result in a misunderstanding.
The discussions you have with your soon-to-be ex-spouse should be brief and respectful. If your conversations are contentious, legal guidance can help you determine what to do next.