There are many reasons that divorce may be the next step for you, and conflict between you and your spouse may be one of them. However, you do not necessarily have to let your disagreements and relationship issues with your spouse dictate the outcome of your divorce.
Here are some factors that may affect the level of conflict in your divorce.
FAULT
You may have little control over how your spouse acts during the process, but certain choices may minimize disputes. For example, the Texas Statutes note that if you choose no-fault rather than fault-based when you file for divorce, you have eliminated the need to prove wrongdoing.
On the other hand, cruelty, adultery, abandonment or other grounds may be issues that you want to hold your spouse accountable for. If you have evidence for a fault-based divorce, it could affect the judge’s determinations for the final decree.
LITIGATION
You may attempt an uncontested divorce rather than a litigated divorce. If you and your spouse can negotiate an agreement, or even most of one, you can determine those outcomes yourselves rather than placing your future in the judge’s hands.
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Setting aside all the emotional aspects of the end of the relationship to discuss business is not always possible. Having a neutral third party skilled in conflict resolution sitting at the table with you may move the discussion into the realm of possibility. Often, the courts require mediation because of the success many couples have in settling matters outside of court.
Ultimately, your situation is unique. You and your spouse are the only ones who can weigh all the factors and determine how much of the conflict is avoidable, and how much you need to withstand as you move past the legal aspects of your relationship.