Soccer and divorce?
While there are more than 17 rules in divorce (there’s a Divorce Act in Ontario that your Mississauga divorce lawyer can fill you in on, if you’d like), there are a few parallels we can pull from the sport that might help you navigate the process more easily.
Pay Attention to the Referee… and Observe the Rules
Your Mississauga divorce lawyer might suggest that you use mediation to come to resolutions that work for your family when you’re negotiating. If you don’t work with a mediator, you still have to observe the rules or you’ll be penalized. Sure, you can’t be ejected from your own divorce—but you can quickly lose any ground you’ve gained if you use under-handed tactics (like using your kids against your ex or going back on your word).
Spectators Belong on the Sidelines
While your friends and family have good intentions, they shouldn’t be active participants in your divorce. Neither should new romantic interests. Remember, only your Mississauga divorce lawyer is qualified to give you legal advice; he or she is familiar with Ontario law and how it applies to your case.
In the same vein, your friends and family shouldn’t try to intervene or serve as go-betweens with you and your ex. Generally, this only results in more complications that you would be better off avoiding.
Good Sportsmanship During and After the Game
Understanding that divorce isn’t a competition—rather, it’s a workable issue that has a finite solution—can help you remember that you’ll need to stay flexible and be courteous to your ex. This is particularly important if you have children, because they’re learning about solving conflicts by watching how you handle this situation.
If you find it impossible to work with your ex, let your Mississauga divorce lawyer know. He or she can draw on past experiences to develop strategies that can help your family come through this tough time without getting too off-track during the process.
