Once joint decision making is established, it is very difficult to undo, and in the meantime, you may be opening the door to ongoing conflicts.
Divorce
Not so long ago, spousal maintenance – what we used to call alimony – could be ordered by the Court on a permanent basis.
The Court generally requires parties to mediate before going to a hearing. This means that even if you’re sure your case won’t settle, you should make a good faith effort in mediation.
It’s common for kids to have behavior issues before or after transitions. You may see some more pushing boundaries than usual, or some sadness or acting out. It’s the parents’ job to not exacerbate those issues.
“Divorces are emotional for you and the ones that love you. A third party that knows the court process will help temper down swift reactions. He can also draft your messages in a more neutral tone. He/She can convey positions that could be difficult to assume by you.”
While some people may believe that their spouses should be punished for bad behavior during the marriage, the no fault policy means that the court doesn’t have to air the parties’ dirty laundry, or make moral decisions rather than legal and equitable decisions.