If you’re like most people, you know that communicating with your soon-to-be ex-spouse during divorce is tough… but you also know that you need to communicate effectively (particularly if you have children). Your Wisconsin divorce lawyer will probably urge you to do your best, and for good reason: it’s harder to negotiate with someone when you’re both playing offense.
But how are you supposed to communicate with your spouse when it seems all you can do is disagree?
3 Ways to Communicate Effectively During Divorce
Communicating effectively during divorce requires you to commit to something big: you’ll have to decide that you’re not going to be sucked into unproductive conversations (or arguments) and that you’ll always keep “the big picture” in mind.
It’s not easy, but with the right strategies, it can be done.
So what do the experts suggest?
First, take your time. You don’t need to respond to emails, texts, or even phone calls immediately. In fact, it’s a good idea to avoid responding until you’ve had time to process what the communication is about; naturally, you can’t ignore your soon-to-be ex, but it’s completely fine to put communication on hold until you’re ready to answer calmly and rationally.
You’ll also need to set boundaries. It’s often upsetting to talk to our spouses when emotions are running high (and that’s often the case during divorce). There’s nothing wrong with setting up an email address that you only use for communicating with your spouse—or with deciding to only check it once a day.
Finally, make sure you’re sticking to the issues. It’s easy to become sidetracked when your spouse says or does something offensive, mean, or inconsiderate, but it’s essential that you stick to discussing what’s really important, whether it’s child custody or the division of your property and debts.
Do You Need to Talk to a Wisconsin Divorce Lawyer?
For most people, it’s a good idea to work with a Wisconsin divorce lawyer who understands the entire process.
The bottom line is that divorce isn’t easy on anyone, but it can be easier if you’re working with an experienced professional.
If you need to talk to a divorce lawyer, we’ll be here for you. Call us at 414-383-6700. You don’t have to do this alone; we can guide you through the process and help you make the most informed decisions possible along the way.
