You may have never pictured yourself getting divorced when you got married. But divorce is a common experience for many couples in the U.S.
According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 40 to 50% of marriages in America eventually end in divorce. As you and your spouse embark on the divorce process, knowing how to communicate effectively with each other can help you minimize conflict and settle your divorce quickly.
1. Set firm boundaries
Even if your divorce is amicable, setting communication boundaries with your spouse is important. At the start of the divorce process, lay down some rules about how you will communicate and in what ways, whether you rely on in-person meetings, phone calls, text messages or email.
2. Watch your tone of voice
You may want to be sarcastic or yell at your spouse when you delve into discussion topics like child custody, property division, spousal support and other divorce-related issues. Even if you are angry, try to speak respectfully and calmly to your spouse.
3. Stick to the issues at hand
During conversations about your divorce, it may be easy to let your emotions take over and start to argue about other things. Try to keep conversations with your spouse focused on the issues you need to talk about and nothing else.
Reaching a coordinated decision about your divorce with your spouse may not come easily. Practicing effective communication strategies can be difficult, but it can make your divorce easier on both you, your spouse and any children involved in your marriage.
