Very few Georgia couples want to become involved in a contentious divorce. Often, such a divorce can quickly result in settlement that neither spouse is satisfied with, which often only creates hard feelings between the couple. However, while couples should strive not to make divorce a battleground, they should be aware that being too nice in a divorce can create additional, unanticipated problems.

One of the biggest problems with trying to avoid conflict when things become difficult is that one spouse will forego a portion of the settlement they may need in the future. After all, while the couple was together in marriage, often spouses had to make sacrifices for each other, especially in difficult times, such as sickness. However, once divorced, spouses do not necessarily have the same obligations, outside of the requirements established by the final divorce decree.

Therefore, it is important that all those who are divorcing make sure that they take an active role in deciding on what terms they wish to dissolve their marriage. It is important for divorcing couples to discuss and understand all financial matters beforehand, as well as be able to anticipate what might happen in the event of an emergency.

Finally, divorcing couples should realize that the decisions that they make in their divorce settlement are often the last step before the marriage is completely over, and seeking modifications to a divorce settlement can become very contentious.

Divorce can be a very tumultuous time for anybody. Though it may be tempting for Georgia couples to be overly generous in the interests of keeping a divorce civil, this attitude could be detrimental in the long run. This, however, does not mean that you can't pursue a peaceable divorce process. You and tour spouse can split on mutually-beneficial terms, while still receiving a fair settlement that will protect your interests down the road.

Source: Financial Post, "Divorce mistakes you can make by being too nice," Geoff Williams, June 26, 2012