Out of the countless reasons couples divorce, lack of communication is near or at the top of the most common issues that eventually end marriages. While nothing can change a path that saw a union dissolve, trying to build a more robust dialogue during a life-changing event can help with marital dissolution.
When nothing can be done to stop an inevitable divorce, opening lines of communication can make life easier for husbands, wives, and, more importantly, children. Brief talks that are detailed, friendly, and firm can set the tone and avoid arguments and conflicts in emotionally-charged times.
Setting a tone during a new normal
Regardless of marital status, communication between a couple can take many forms with countless definitions. In a marriage, interactions are usually about respect and affection, whether it involves the latest news or expressing emotional or romantic feelings. The objective is to maintain closeness and a connection.
While in the midst of marital dissolution or post-divorce, communication can become something akin to business transactions. Specifically, parents are now in the business of ending a marriage and raising and ensuring children’s best interests. Pain, misunderstandings, or grievances in the past no longer require resolution.
Communication eventually devolves in a way where “conversations” are about divorce and shared parenting time. Face-to-face conversations may no longer be necessary. Texting is the apparent alternative. However, non-face-to-face talks can result in words being exchanged without the luxury of face-to-face interactions. Sending a text that contains negative or incendiary language should bring pause to the sender, who will hopefully hit “delete” instead of “send.”
The end of a marriage can see people at their best or worst. Yet, when one spouse is putting up obstacles and making life unlivable for an ex or soon-to-be ex, the other may want to “fight fire with fire.” Legal representation can help to navigate through an emotionally-charged process and focus on your best interests, specifically open and civil lines of communication.
