When one partner decides to file for divorce, it is usually because they have decided that the marriage can no longer work. There are different reasons couples have for seeking a divorce; and this is why, from Albuquerque to Alabama, divorce attorneys will first talk to couples to help determine if they are sure they want a divorce. If there is truly no way to resolve the conflict, the divorce process begins. But have you ever wondered what would happen if one partner decides to apologize after the divorce process has began? Is an apology enough to cancel out a divorce procedure?
Legally, an Apology May Be a Bad Idea
Legally, it is not advisable for you to discuss matters related to the divorce with your soon-to-be-ex spouse. This is especially true if the marriage is ending on a more hostile note. That is because whatever you do or say can be used by the other party as evidence against you in a court of law. But if you insist on giving an apology, talk to your attorney first before taking that step. Our legal counsel can help you formulate your apology the right way. Make sure to give the apology in the presence of your counsel, as well.
So, is an Apology Necessary?
Although an issuing an apology is not a good idea when going through a complicated, volatile divorce, it is necessary in some cases which include:
In Co-parenting
Divorce cases involving marriages with kids are more complex than childless marriage divorce cases. That is because divorce affects children in different ways. The court helps the couple handle child custody conflicts during the divorce court hearings. Co-parenting after divorce is one way to go about raising your children—and quite possibly the best arrangement for the kids, if the husband and wife are on good terms. The parents will be interacting regularly enough to help raise the children. Issuing an apology will help mend the broken ‘relationship’ between the parents. That way, the parents can collaborate and co-parent without much difficulty.
In Settling a Divorce Amicably
Divorce attorneys encourage couples going through a divorce to consider a more collaborative approach to divorce whenever and if at all. In a collaborative divorce, the couple sits with a neutral party, who acts as a mediator, to try and settle their differences before going on with the court process. The settling of differences will often happen when there is an apology that will set the pace for a smooth process.
Issuing an apology to your partner might seem like the best thing to do when you are going through something as potentially traumatic as a divorce. However, issuing the apology might work against you if you do not follow the right direction. If you need to issue your apology, consult with your divorce attorney who will guide you on how to go about it. The attorney is dedicated to seeing that the divorce process goes on without hitches and will give you good advice on issuing an apology in a way that will help and not hinder the process.