Even though most people don't consider the process of divorce to be among the most pleasant times of their lives divorce horror stories don't have to happen. Couples who are splitting up can circumvent many of the usual divorce traps with some advance planning as well as with the guidance of the best family divorce attorney in Connecticut. Following are five strategies that divorcing couples can use to make the process of splitting up go as smoothly as possible.

1. Couples who are parting ways should make as many decisions on their own as possible rather than simply leaving everything to the lawyers. Both parties are more likely to feel satisfied with the outcome of distribution of property as well as with custody matters if they feel as if they have had significant input into the decision making process. The divorce will be quicker and less stressful if the involved parties agree on certain things. 2. Divorcing couples should also realize that not everything is set in stone. Custody matters, for instance, often evolve over the years, and parents who feel as if custody didn't work out the way they wanted it to frequently get their chance to act as the primary parent later on.

3. People who remain as respectful of the other party as possible while going through a divorce usually experience significantly less stress than their counterparts who give into the temptation to engage in aggressive behavior and angry behavior directed at the other spouse. This can be a difficult feat to accomplish, but those who have managed to pull it off are always glad, in retrospect, that they maintained self control. 4. If children are involved, both parties should be present when the time comes to tell them about the upcoming divorce. They should be willing to listen to the concerns and fears of the children as well as to honestly answer any questions that the children might have. Older children might be resentful of one or both parents, so it's important that the parents don't feed into this by pointing fingers at one another. Younger children may be fearful, so they'll need to be reassured that they are still loved.

5. Above all, both parties should keep in mind that the process of divorce shouldn't be treated like a competition to see who walks away with the most stuff.