Getting a divorce is almost always painful, regardless of the reasons that the marriage failed. Whether you were married for 10 months or 10 years, the divorce process involves a lot of emotions and complicated logistics, even if you and your spouse have largely stayed on good terms.

With that in mind, it’s not surprising that there’s a lot that can go wrong while you’re in the process of divorce. Here’s what you need to know about these potential problems and how you can work to resolve them.

What’s the Best-Case Divorce Scenario?

In the best-case scenario, two people decide to end their marriage amicably. They mutually decide that there is no way to move forward as spouses, but they continue to respect one another and strive to work together to end their marriage.

This kind of divorce is typically as quick and painless as possible. Both parties work together to reach fair terms for the division of property and child custody arrangements if needed. However, most divorces aren’t completely problem-free.

What Can Go Wrong in a Divorce?

Several types of problems can come up during the divorce proceedings. You might encounter:

  • A desire for revenge from your spouse
  • Child custody disagreements
  • Problems splitting up property and assets
  • Lack of cooperation surrounding child support or alimony
  • Verbal and/or physical abuse
  • Bullying
  • A lengthy court battle

Contentious divorces can take a long time to settle, making the process even more painful for both parties and any children who might be involved. Anger can escalate quickly during the process and can even result in criminal charges or other penalties in a worst-case scenario.

It’s important to keep your temper in check during the divorce proceedings as much as you can. You don’t want your behavior to reflect on you if the court needs to get involved with the division of property or child custody.

How Can You Resolve Issues During a Divorce?

If issues come up during the divorce proceedings, the first thing to do is try to work with your ex to resolve the problem and potentially reach a compromise. If they become abusive or try to bully you into an unfair agreement, contact law enforcement if needed and take notes that you can share with your lawyer.

It’s important to have experienced legal counsel on your side. A divorce lawyer you can trust will help you determine if any issues that come up can likely be resolved through mediation, or if the court will need to get involved. If that becomes necessary, your lawyer will represent your interests in court and help ensure that you get a fair settlement. To discuss your case with our dedicated Birmingham, Alabama divorce attorneys, call (205) 858-9224 today.