Communicating Effectively During Divorce

 Posted on October 24, 2017 in Divorce

Navigating the divorce process can be an emotionally taxing experience for anyone. Depending on the circumstances, however, ending a marriage can be especially tough when one spouse refuses to cooperate or communicate. This is often the case when the relationship between the spouses has broken down due to distrust or outright cruelty or when communication has been a problem throughout the relationship.

Common Communication Problems in Divorce

According to mental health professionals, many individuals exhibit certain behaviors that can create serious communication problems with their spouse. Such behavior can sabotage even the most mundane conversations, leading to a more difficult divorce for both spouses.

Relationship experts indicate that better results are possible and they can be achieved if both spouses exercise a little patience and focus on a few simple tips:

• Be polite: Being rude is never a good idea. Impoliteness can become an even bigger problem during a divorce when the target is your soon-to-be ex-spouse. Tension is usually high in the midst of a divorce, and the added insult of being rude can lead to anger, bitterness, and resentment. A hurt spouse is less likely to remain cooperative throughout the process.
• Allow your spouse to talk: A specific way to avoid being rude is to let the other person complete their thoughts and express them as needed. A two-way discussion is impossible if you continually talk over your spouse and refuse to hear what he or she has to say. You may be upset and not feel like listening, but doing is likely to save both of you a great deal of frustration.
• Show interest: Whether or not want to have a particular conversation, you owe to your spouse to hear him or her out and to take in what he or she is saying. By maintaining eye contact and positive body language, you can demonstrate your commitment to continued open communication. When your spouse feels heard, he or she is more likely to compromise on challenging issues.
• Avoid casting judgment or blame: Many people in the midst of divorce tend to feel self-conscious or insecure about their worth as a person. Casting verbal judgments or criticizing your spouse on top of those feelings can defeat any hope of an amicable divorce. You do not need to give false compliments but insulting your spouse about their parenting skills or financial management is not a healthy way to navigate divorce-related communications.

We Can Help

If you are considering a divorce, an experienced DuPage County family law attorney can help you keep the proceedings civil and efficient. Contact Pesce Law Group, P.C. for a free confidential consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/anger-in-the-age-entitlement/201002/marriage-problems-how-communication-techniques-can-make

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/29/divorce-5-communication-h_n_2159531.html