A divorce will be one of the hardest times in your life, especially if you still love your spouse. This is a time when you will now be living apart, and your life will entirely change. Things become even more complicated when there are children involved because you’ll see your spouse regularly, and you’ll need to determine who will have custody of the children.
There are few ways to mitigate the damage of a divorce, and the first will be to get a prenuptial agreement.
Prenuptial Agreements
When you get married, it is often done with the intent of staying with the person for the rest of your life. Prenuptial agreements act as a safeguard so that the assets that are yours prior to the marriage do not become marital property.
You can do this for:
- Businesses
- Family heirlooms
- Inheritance
- Other assets
The only time that a prenuptial agreement is not recommended is when neither party has any assets or money to their name. For example, a person that has just left college and has no money in the bank, no assets, doesn’t own a business or have any true wealth will find a prenuptial agreement is not necessary.
However, if one party does have any assets of value that they will not want to be separated from in the event of a divorce, it is best to get a prenuptial agreement.
The acts as a safeguard for both parties involved, and it will help mitigate the damage in the event of a divorce.
You’ll be able to keep your business operational without worrying about splitting ownership of the business, your family heirlooms will remain yours solely, and any inheritance or money that you obtained prior to the marriage will still be in your possession.
If there any items that you do not want to be divided up during the divorce, make sure that you have a prenuptial agreement written up.
Mitigating Damage to Children
The fastest and easiest way to mitigate any damage that may occur to children is to come to an amicable divorce. This means that you will decide everything outside of court, and there will be no lengthy court battles that will further harm the relationship of you and your spouse.
Statistics show that 75% of children following a divorce do not have serious social, psychological or emotional issues, which is good news for your children.
If you want to mitigate the emotional damage that may occur to your child, you’ll want to follow these tips:
- Emotional Support: It’s all too easy to not provide emotional support to your child. If you notice that your child has a persistent attitude or behavioral problems, you may need to sit down and talk to your child or discuss the option of going to a counselor.
- Learn to Co-parent: You and your spouse need to learn how to co-parent properly. This means that you’ll need to still maintain a friendly relationship, and have a say in your child’s life.
- Be Active Together: Life has a way of allowing people to neglect their responsibilities and relationships. Encourage involvement in your child’s life, and be active in their life even if you do not live with them.
Children will need emotional and physical support. As a parent, it is in your best interest to provide this support from the very onset of your divorce so that you maintain a good relationship with both your children and your ex.
The Micklin Law Group, LLC is a New Jersey law firm focusing exclusively on family law for men and fathers. Attorney Brad Micklin was recently named to The National Advocates list of Top 100 attorneys from each state. To set up a consultation, call 973-562-0100.
