What Do You Have to Gain by Being Nice During Your Divorce?~ 3 min read
Divorce can bring out strong emotions, but how you handle those feelings can make a big difference. You might feel angry or hurt, but treating your spouse with kindness during the process can have real benefits. Being respectful is not just about avoiding conflict. It can affect important decisions like property division, legal fees, and child custody.
Your Behavior Is Being Watched
Once the divorce process begins, many people are observing your actions. Attorneys on both sides, a guardian ad litem if children are involved, and most importantly, the judge, are all paying attention. Every text message, email, comment, and social media post you make can be reviewed and considered during your case.
If you come across as angry or uncooperative, it could hurt you when the court makes decisions about property or spousal support. It may also affect whether you are ordered to pay attorney fees. One of the most significant areas where your behavior matters is legal custody. Courts consider how well each parent communicates with the other when deciding custody arrangements. If you refuse to cooperate or constantly argue, it could impact your ability to share custody or decision-making responsibilities.
How Being Nice Works in Your Favor
When you are respectful during your divorce, you present yourself in a positive light to the judge. If the court sees you as reasonable and willing to work with your spouse, it can lead to better outcomes. Judges may be less sympathetic to someone who comes across as aggressive or rude, even if that person feels justified in their emotions.
Being nice can also change the tone of your interactions with your spouse. If you show kindness and offer reasonable solutions, your spouse may respond in the same way. This can lead to more productive discussions and better chances of reaching a fair settlement.
Protecting Your Emotional Well-Being
Holding on to anger throughout the divorce process only adds to your stress. Being kind does not mean you ignore your feelings, but it helps you maintain control over your emotions. Letting go of hostility can ease the emotional burden and help you focus on building a better future.
If you have children, your attitude during the divorce affects them as well. Children are sensitive to conflict between parents. When you handle the process with kindness, you create a more stable and supportive environment for them.
Better Outcomes Through Cooperation
When you approach the divorce with a cooperative attitude, the process often moves more smoothly. Being kind and reasonable encourages better communication, which can make negotiations easier. This approach can help you avoid unnecessary court battles, saving you time and money.
If you and your spouse can work together, you have more control over the outcome. Instead of leaving important decisions to a judge, you can reach agreements that reflect your unique needs and circumstances. This is especially true if you pursue Collaborative Divorce or Mediation where both parties are encouraged to cooperate.
The Long-Term Benefits of Being Nice
Being nice during your divorce is not just about being polite. It is about protecting your interests and creating a smoother process. Your behavior is being closely watched, and showing kindness can influence decisions about property, legal fees, and custody. It can also improve your emotional well-being and make it easier to reach fair agreements with your spouse.
Contact Family Ally
At Family Ally, we understand the challenges of divorce and the importance of approaching the process with care and respect. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact Jennifer Piper today at 314-449-9800 to schedule a consultation and to learn how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome while maintaining peace of mind.
