Divorce is going to be hard and emotionally stressful no matter what you do, but you don't have to let this stress further fracture the relationship between you and your former spouse. If you must continue to remain in each other's lives, such as if you have kids, then it is in everyone's best interest to make the divorce as amicable as possible. The following tips can help you do just that.

Tip #1: Plan ahead

Simply making the decision to divorce and then filing the paperwork is not enough. SIt down and make a personal plan for the divorce before you and your ex begin the proceedings. Make a list of the top three to five most important things to you in the divorce, such as who gets primary custody or how specific property is divided. Rank these things from most to least important. The purpose of your personal list is to help keep yourself from becoming petty. When emotions rise in the midst of a divorce, it can sometimes be easy to become petty and begin bickering over everything in an attempt to "win." By having your list handy, you can steer yourself back to focusing only on what is important instead of allowing your emotions to rule the proceedings.

Tip #2: Choose a divorce strategy

Not all divorces have to end up as drawn out legal battles. For the couple parting ways amicably there are two choices that can help you avoid the high-emotions of a court battle. You can simply meet with your lawyers outside of court and draw up the agreement if you are both on the same page with visitation and division of property. Your lawyers will then file the motion and you may not even have to go to court when the paperwork is finalized. Another option is to have the divorce mediated if you aren't in agreement on some things in the proceedings. A trained mediator will help you to both reach a decision together instead of depending on the ruling of a judge. Once an agreement is reached, the divorce paperwork will be filed and finalized. Both options help you avoid long court proceedings and final decisions by a judge, although a judge will have to approve the agreement that you and your former spouse reached.

For more help, contact a local divorce attorney. Even a friendly divorce benefits from the guidance of a legal professional.