Looking for a Healthy Divorce? Amicable Divorce Attorneys Share Tips

Jessica Langley sat down with fellow divorce attorney, Kelisen Binder of The Binder Firm, to discuss ways clients can keep their divorce healthy and civilized.

1. When an individual is hoping to achieve a healthy, amicable divorce, what is the first step they should consider implementing?

In an ideal world, all divorces would start with marriage counseling. A good marriage counselor can assist in having the hard conversations about potential separation. They can prepare each party for what’s to come and set the stage for an amicable divorce through defining priorities. Amicable divorces rarely start as a surprise to either party. Just like a good marriage requires communication, so does a good divorce.   

2. Do you have any tips that you give to clients who parenting and co-parenting through divorce?

I like to remind my clients that the differences in their co-parent they are focusing on in divorce are the things that drew them together when they met. Many relationships attract parties who balance one another. The same benefits that balance provides in a romantic relationship can be seen in a co-parenting relationship. When one parent provides more structure and the other provides more adventure, that isn’t always a bad thing. Remember that each parent brings value, and your style of parenting isn’t the only one your kids will be exposed to in marriage or in divorce.

3. In hiring an attorney, what do you think an individual should look for in counsel when they’re seeking an amicable divorce?

My consults frequently tell me they found their conversation with me gave them peace of mind. They sometimes describe previous consults as having been more adversarial, not only in the tone the attorney took towards their partner but sometimes even in the tone the attorney took towards the client. Make sure the attorney you hire has a similar definition of success. If you are wanting an attorney to fight for every penny and “get back” at your spouse for things from the past, you can find that attorney. If you are wanting an attorney who respects that your family is still a family whether you are living under the same roof or not and you deserve to be treated with dignity and empathy, you can find that attorney. Don’t panic and settle for the first attorney to take your call. You’ll know when you’ve found someone who understands your motivations.

If you are looking for a amicable resolution to your separation and want to speak to attorney who prioritizes alternative dispute resolution and mediation, contact Kelisen at https://thebinderfirm.com for more information.