The divorce process can be a contested litigation battle, but that does not need to be the case. To help you (and your ex-partner) maintain reasonable expectations for each other throughout the divorce, here are some potentially beneficial pointers for what is to come:

1. Do not make frivolous purchases after the divorce is filed. Most divorces are caused by financial strains; adding unnecessary financial stressors only complicates matters further. If the two of you can get by without making substantial purchases or growing your debt, this can generally make the division of your marital estate more straightforward.
   
   
2. Be mindful of the impact a divorce has on your child(ren). If you and your partner are able to discuss the legal custody and physical placement of the children, then the two of you are already better off than most. While each couple will have their unique challenges following a separation, it is critical that you and your ex-partner begin to build a healthy co-parenting relationship. The immediate benefit is that the two of you can avoid the need for the appointment (and cost) of a Guardian ad Litem to represent your children’s best interest; the long-term advantage is that the two of you can avoid returning to court to resolve your issues.
   
   
3. (If represented) Provide your attorney’s contact information to the opposing counsel. While each attorney’s sole objective is to represent their client’s best interest, generally, most attorneys share the common goal of having the divorce reach a timely resolution. After contacting the opposing counsel, some issues may even be resolved through negotiations and settlement. At the very least, it helps orient your attorney to the remaining issues ahead of future court hearings. As a reminder, all attorneys are ethically obligated to not speak to opposing parties who have retained counsel.