The end of a marriage does not necessarily have to mean bitterness, acrimony, anger and lengthy courtroom battles. In some instances, spouses have the capability and cooperation to realize that sometimes these things just do not work out, or may have been a mistake from the beginning. For Illinois couples confronting such realizations and contemplating divorce, collaborative law may be an appropriate option.

Taking this approach means attempting to negotiate the terms of a divorce settlement agreement in a more amicable way. This may especially be beneficial when there are children involved. People these days live very public lives on social networking sites, and bitter and angry messages splashed across Facebook or email can end up hurting both the parents and the children. Choosing how to announce a divorce can be tricky if a couple is trying to work together.

In one instance, a couple recently announced their impending divorce to their extended network of family, friends, and acquaintances with an emailed announcement. It stated, among other things, that they would remain friends, and would, of course, still be dedicated parents to their children. They also asked everyone to feel free to raise issues with them that might arise concerning how their children were reacting to and adjusting to their new family situation.

An extended network of social contacts surrounding a family in difficult situations can provide a valuable amount of support, understanding and encouragement. Getting through what might otherwise be a rockier transition may be easier when a couple is open with their loved ones. Announcing an impending divorce in an open and personal way to loved ones may be more comfortable than the alternative.

If a couple has agreed to focus on separating in an amicable and agreeable way, sharing the information with loved ones may be the best way to keep the peace. When feelings are hurt or liberties are taken with the truth, the process of divorce can be much more difficult.

Source: The Huffington Post, "E-nnouncing Divorce," Abby Tolchinsky, Feb. 10, 2012