No one expects to get divorced when they’re first married. But in 2019 alone, over 700,000 marriages ended in divorce.

If you’ve found yourself facing the possibility of divorce, don’t panic. Despite the horror stories you may have heard, there are ways to make divorce amicable and smooth.

That’s right: divorce doesn’t have to be ugly. You’re making the right choice for yourself, and you can do that in a calm and dignified manner. For nine tips that will help you make the divorce process more amicable, keep reading below.

1. Make Sure It’s What You Want

Are you wondering how to start the divorce process? Before you go forward with a divorce, make sure that it’s the right step for you. If you haven’t already, try couples counseling and explore new communication techniques with your husband or wife.

Consider divorce a final step, and make sure that you’ve exhausted all other possibilities before you turn to it.

2. Know Your Priorities

Identify your values and communicate them to your partner. By keeping these in mind, you’ll be able to focus on your priorities during the divorce process.

When you know what’s important to you, you’re less likely to get distracted by petty issues like finances. And when both parties are on the same page, you can enjoy an uncontested divorce process.

3. Think Of Your Kids

If you have kids, sit down with your partner and create a plan for how you will break the news of the divorce to them. You should also discuss your custody plans. Don’t make your kids feel like they have to choose one parent or the other, and make it clear to them that the divorce isn’t their fault.

4. Keep Records of the Divorce Process

Write down everything. An essential part of achieving an amicable divorce is being on the same page as your partner. Having written records of your plans is a good way to start.

5. Have a Support Team

Reach out to family and friends for support. Make sure that you can talk to people uninvolved in the divorce when you are feeling overwhelmed.

6. Be the Bigger Person

Although you might feel frustrated with the complicated divorce process, don’t stoop to the level of yelling, fighting, or name-calling. No matter how your partner behaves, don’t let a divorce bring out the ugly in you.

7. Expect Lifestyle Changes

It might sound obvious, but you should prepare for change. New patterns in your day-to-day life, a new family dynamic, and the possibility of a new home are just some of the changes you should mentally prepare for.

8. Don’t Try to Be Friends Too Soon

Give yourself and your partner time to process the divorce process alone. Don’t try to be too close or rush into a friendship that you’re not ready for.

9. Learn and Grow

Divorce can be hard, but it is also an opportunity for growth. Take your divorce as an opportunity to learn more about yourself outside of your previous marriage. Use what you’ve learned about your needs to guide you as you navigate your new life and potential relationships with new partners.

A Manageable Divorce

With the tips above, you can make the divorce process easier to navigate for you and your family. Divorce might be a major life change, but it doesn’t have to be a completely negative experience.

If you want to learn more about divorce, check out our website. We’ve got information on everything you need to know about marriage and relationships!