How to Handle an Unreasonable Spouse During Divorce

Getting a divorce is never easy, nor is it a pleasant thing to deal with in a relationship.

Still, most people manage to get through the process with a divorce lawyer in a reasonably controlled manner.

When a spouse is so angry or upset that they cannot do that, divorce law firms will offer the best assistance they can to help their clients through the emotional turmoil that is frequently thrust at them.

For anyone planning on divorcing a spouse who is behaving unreasonably or it is suspected they will, divorce attorneys offer these tips.

Why Are Some Divorcing Spouses So Unreasonable?

Whether it is due to a spouse who does not want to get divorced, one who does not acknowledge their bad behavior, or a spouse who will fight over issues like property distribution or child custody, there are many reasons why a spouse with an aggressive temperament might get hostile during divorce negotiations.

How Do You Combat Unreasonable Spouses?

Avoiding hostility is always best, but when it cannot be avoided, divorce attorneys always remind their clients of these important points that will help them through the process, even when dealing with an unreasonable spouse:

  1. Hire An Experienced Divorce Lawyer - Not working with an experienced divorce lawyer is a serious mistake that many people make when spouses convince them to do otherwise. If talk of divorce causes anger, brings threats, or causes other bad behavior, would-be filing spouses must not allow this to intimidate them.
  2. Know Your Rights and Don’t Give Them Up - Do know that nobody can be forced to stay married if they do not want to be. Even when a spouse refuses to agree to divorce or take delivery of divorce papers, the filing spouse has every legal right to cancel the marriage. Don’t give up just because an unreasonable spouse says no.
  3. Remain Calm - Filing spouses should avoid letting an unreasonable spouse’s upset and antics negatively affect them and instead, trust their divorce attorney on what to do and how to handle the situation.
  4. Discuss Options for Productive Negotiations With Divorce Attorneys - Divorce negotiations can be simple or they can be complicated. They can happen with divorce lawyers structuring the conversation or with mediators who may be more productive. Sometimes, it must go beyond that and let the judge rule.
  5. Know When It Is Time To Go To Court - As much as most people wish to stay out of court, spouses behaving unreasonably frequently push things to the point where going to court is the only option. Try other options first, but know when enough is enough and it is time to let the court help.

Seek The Help of Qualified Divorce Lawyers

Everyone, including divorce lawyers, always hope they will get through divorce proceedings easily and without too much fighting or emotional turmoil.

When an unreasonable spouse makes that impossible, people must allow a divorce attorney whom they trust help them wade through the proceedings to end with a successful divorce.

Can Divorce Mediation Be A Better Choice for You Than Going to Court?

Going through a divorce can be extremely stressful, even in the best circumstances.

One option that family divorce law firms may suggest for some spouses is mediation as opposed to going to court.

Mediation with the help of family divorce lawyers and a skilled mediator is a more peaceful and less stressful alternative than going to court, but it is not for everyone.

Consider the points below to decide whether mediation with your family divorce attorney is for you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation usually involves the two spouses, each with their representing family divorce attorney and a neutral third party acting as the mediator.

The goal of this arrangement is to give each side a chance to state their ideas, concerns, and preferred decisions so that spouses can negotiate toward a solution that is equally acceptable to both people.

When successful, mediation allows the spouses and their divorce lawyers to come up with a valid agreement to present to the court for approval without having to go through the time, expense, and inconvenience of going to court.

Will Both Spouses Cooperate and Compromise?

Are you and your spouse willing to actually compromise? Mediation is all about compromise and negotiation.

Family divorce attorneys advise that it is perfect for couples able to see things from the other side and who are willing to give some to get some, rather than force the court to make decisions for them.

It works well for those who are able to listen to each other’s ideas and those presented by the mediator and meet in the middle on the key decisions that must be made.

Can Both Spouses Commit to Working With A Mediator?

According to family divorce lawyers, whether decisions involve finances, assets, custody, or something else, each spouse must commit to working together and allowing the mediator to guide the conversation to help come up with your own acceptable resolutions.

Each spouse must also be able to follow the ground rules set by the mediator in order to keep the negotiations productive and not turning into an endless circle.

Will Mediation Work For You?

Mediation through a family divorce law firm can work for many people; unfortunately, there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone.

If you or your spouse are simply unable to compromise to the point necessary for creating an agreement that the court will approve, you may end up in court anyway.

Yet in most cases, there is nothing to lose by trying mediation if you both at least have the desire to try to stay out of court.

With the help of an experienced divorce attorney and a good mediator, hopefully you can find success this way and simplify your divorce process.