Alan Jacobs
Preventing Unforeseen Consequences in the Last Stages of Divorce
Toward the end of a divorce many emotions are involved—from anxiety to exasperation. Cost can also be a major factor weighing on people’s minds, which leads mounting pressure to get things done quickly and efficiently. For others, external factors like a new relationship may be the driving force behind their desire to make the transition from divorcing to divorced. And lastly, no one wants to feel like they are wasting their time. In this excellent article, Katherine Miller writes that it is always worth taking a deep breath in the last stages of negotiation in order to go over the proposed agreement with a fine-toothed comb—from a calm space. Even if it feels impossible. Coming to an agreement, signing the agreement, enacting the agreement, and understanding the agreement are separate pieces, and they all have to work together in order to make a seamless transition from getting divorced to being divorced.