Individuals who know that their marriages are over may agree to pursue dissolution instead of a contested divorce. In Ohio, spouses who amicably agree on the key aspects of their divorce proceedings can request an uncontested marital dissolution from the courts instead of litigating a contested divorce.
There are many benefits to dissolution, including how the process is faster and therefore usually more cost-effective than contested divorces. Spouses also have control over the terms instead of leaving themselves at the mercy of a judge’s discretion.
Unfortunately, even those with the best intentions may find themselves struggling to cooperate with their spouses during dissolution negotiations. Intense emotions can derail the process. Those who prepare for the matters more likely to trigger intense emotions, including the three concerns below, may have an easier time moving forward with a dissolution because they can more effectively temper their emotional reactions.
Child custody matters
Few things make people more emotional than the idea of losing time with their children. Divorce forces parents to compromise regarding the time that they have with their children and even the decisions about their upbringing. Those who try to maintain an objective focus on what would be best for the children may find that they have an easier time settling custody matters amicably instead of fighting over them.
High-value assets
Asset division is also frequently a source of contention that may make people emotional. The thought of losing retirement savings can make people anxious, and moving out of the marital home can also be a difficult decision to make. Spouses who identify their highest-value assets and set realistic goals about property division may find it easier to set aside their emotional reactions and focus more on their practical needs.
Spousal support or alimony
It is common for one spouse to make professional sacrifices for the benefit of the family unit. They choose to stay home, work part-time or commit less to their career so that they can manage the household and care for the couple’s children. They may then have an emotional reaction to discussions about how much support they can get as they begin transitioning to independent living.
At the end of the day, the better that someone understands the risk of future conflict and the more clarity they have on how the Ohio courts might rule in litigated divorces, the easier it may be to overcome negative emotions and work cooperatively to pursue a marital dissolution.