You and your spouse may need to communicate during your divorce. You can opt to handle communication through lawyers or contact each other directly if you are comfortable doing so. But won’t this lead to more conflict that can complicate your divorce? It can.
However, a few tips can help you effectively communicate with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. These include:
Be respectful
You need to be respectful to your spouse. Avoid using harsh tones or unkind words. Before contacting them, assess if the information you want to pass is helpful and kind.
Be direct
You should be direct when communicating with your spouse. Don’t be vague or initiate unnecessary conversations.
Avoid fights
Since you and your spouse have decided to go ahead with a divorce, you may not be looking to solve past issues. Thus, consider agreeing on topics to discuss and those to avoid. This can help you steer clear of conversations that can end up in fights. Your discussions should be focused on finding solutions to matters related to the divorce, such as property division, child custody and so on.
Additionally, avoid contacting your spouse when you are upset or when they are not in a space to communicate. Setting a particular day and time to contact each other can be helpful.
Choose a communication channel
You and your spouse should agree on the communication mode to use. Are you comfortable with texts, emails, phone calls or in-person meetings?
You can choose different channels for different circumstances. For example, phone calls for emergencies, email for formal communication that’s not urgent and text messages for issues that are not crucial.
Communication can be necessary during divorce. Get legal help to determine how you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can keep each other adequately informed.