When married couples in Maryland come to the difficult decision to end their marriage, there exist countless opportunities for things to become contentious and adversarial. While the state of Maryland doesn’t require separation before a divorce, most couples go through a period of separation before their divorce is final. There are some steps that you can take to facilitate a healthy separation.
Remain civil
If you and your ex have children, the two of you will interact for years to come. Even if there aren’t any children involved in the divorce, the separation process isn’t the end of the road for you and your ex. During this part of the process, maintain civility with your estranged spouse by behaving appropriately when interacting with them.
Don’t make any major life changes
Most people see divorce as a chance to make some long-awaited changes to their personal lives. While the end of your marriage certainly provides you with an opportunity to make a fresh start, wait until the divorce is final. During your separation period, continue living as you did during your marriage.
Discuss amicable options
While most people have heard horror stories about divorce, that doesn’t have to be the case for you and your ex. If he or she is willing to have calm, rational conversations during the separation, discuss some pathways to an amicable divorce.
Don’t jump into a new relationship
In ideal situations, both parties agree that the marriage is over and approach the divorce proceedings maturely. While you’re certainly allowed to start dating during your separation, this can make things contentious between you and your ex. Additionally, you may carry emotional baggage into your new relationship by starting it before you’re officially divorced.
While no one goes into a marriage with divorce in mind, things happen and relationships end. Knowing how to handle your separation can help you flourish as you enter the next phase of your life as a single person.
