Effective communication is defined as the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, knowledge and information, so that your purpose or intention is fulfilled in the most efficient way possible. Or in other words, how you successfully communicate yourself to others.

This extends beyond simply stating what you want and believing that as you did so ‘clearly’ – or as far as you are concerned – that the other party will have to understand you and your intentions. This in fact could not be further from the truth. Communication is effective, not when it makes perfect sense to you, but when it makes perfect sense to the receiver.

In our modern world, communication is constantly occurring, whether verbal or nonverbal, or even through technology. Each variety of this communication occurs throughout the divorce process, so how do you ensure that your intentions are not being lost in translation?

You move away from unproductive actions, such as ‘being right’, blaming, defensiveness, aggression, character attacks and so much more. You instead move towards productive actions, being solution focused, listening, finding common ground, being clear about your needs and accepting responsibility. When you adopt productive actions you are changing your perspective and creating a shift in not just your thoughts, but your actions.

There are an array of tools that can be used to help you improve your communication. Your Resolve lawyer work closely with you to achieve this. Some of these include:

• Realigning to your values: Identifying what is important to you, and what is not consistent with your end goal. Check out our blog post here on goal setting. Do you have emotions clouding your arguments? Maybe you need a hand to create some clarity.
• Options developing: When you consult an experienced solicitor, they are not just fighting for your best outcome, but they are devising creative solutions to problems to ensure that you aren’t ever completely thrown off course.
• Switching the perspective: Let’s think like your spouse would, so that we can try and determine how they will react, and we can in turn, approach from another angle.

Don’t let your legal matter be derailed by ineffective communication. Instead work closely with your highly credentialed Resolve lawyer, who will prepare you for the business of divorce to ensure you gain your best outcome.