How to Deal With a Difficult Spouse During Divorce

Divorces can bring out anger, frustration and difficult behavior in even the most rational spouses. If you are dealing with a spouse who does not want to cooperate or negotiate issues constructively, turn to professionals. Use divorce mediators, your attorney and your family court judge to help you reach a fair agreement. When you have to communicate with your spouse, try to remain objective and forward-thinking, even if you are met with difficult or aggressive behavior.

Instructions

1. Communicate through your attorneys. If you have retained counsel to represent you in your divorce, consider eliminating direct contact with your difficult spouse and speaking only through your respective lawyers.

2. Retain a divorce mediator. Using a neutral third party to communicate can help you avoid unnecessary arguments and ensure that your attorneys and the judge understand that you are making a good-faith effort to negotiate in spite of your spouse's difficult behavior.

3. Keep detailed notes of your conversations. Each time you talk to your spouse, make a note of the time, date and what you discussed. Include specifics on the offers you made and how your spouse responded.

4. Provide constructive responses and counteroffers. Instead of arguing back at your spouse, respond professionally. Stay calm, focus on the issues at hand and provide suggestions in addition to criticisms.

References

• Divorce Info: Why Is My Spouse Behaving This Way?
• Divorce Support: Unreasonableness From Your Spouse During Divorce
• Woman's Divorce: Divorce Settlement Negotiation Strategies