Just as every marriage is unique, so is every divorce unique. While one couple may find the divorce process to be relatively straightforward, another may find their particular process to be stressful and complex. It is therefore important to approach your personal divorce process without too many expectations regarding how it will progress.
This may be especially true if you are divorcing while in your 20s or 30s. Divorces that occur later in life tend to be complex when the couple has been married for some time and straightforward when they have not. But young marriages can inspire complex divorces even if the couple has been together for a short while.
Divorcing when kids are in the picture
As you may have already learned, the subject of divorce tends to result in a great deal of unsolicited advice from loved ones, colleagues and even strangers. But because your divorce process will be unique, it is generally a good idea to seek guidance from reputable sources and take all other advice with a grain of salt.
This is a particularly advisable path when young children are going to be affected by your divorce. Even if you have only been married a short while, the process of protecting their interests during your divorce can be complex and nuanced. Feeling that you must respond to a host of different individuals bearing advice may muddle your progress.
Divorcing when kids are not in the picture
As a general rule, your divorce is less likely to be complex if you are young, have no children and do not have substantial marital property that must be divided. But again, it is a good idea to tune out most unsolicited advice as it may make your divorce process more stressful than it would otherwise be.