Getting a divorce can be a stressful time in general, so avoiding some of the most common mistakes people make in the process can make the situation less difficult. Here are five things to consider during the divorce process that can help you avoid some of the issues that other individuals have made.

1. Don’t Dismiss the Idea of Mediation

Not all divorces have to be prolonged and messy. In some cases, particularly when both sides are in agreement on most things, it’s unnecessary to involve more parties than necessary. If your divorce is not particularly adversarial, try discussing the idea of mediation or a collaborative divorce model with your attorney.

2. Don’t Ignore Your Will

Many people are surprised to find out that a will is not automatically negated when a divorce takes place. If you currently have your ex listed in your will and want the information removed, you will have to do that manually. This also applies to insurance, taxes and other legal documents.

3. Don’t Use Your Kids as Leverage

The presence of children makes divorce more complicated, but one of the biggest mistakes adults make when getting a divorce is pressuring the children or neglecting the feelings of the children during the process. Divorces can take a long time, and the effect it has on your children can be long-lasting if not handled correctly.

4. Don’t Put It Off for a Better Time

Divorce attorneys see a spike in divorce proceedings after the holiday season and a major reason for this is that people tend to keep putting off filing for divorce for a more convenient time. Pushing through often results in a less amicable divorce than if you move forward when the decision has been made.

5. Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health

Seeking the help of a therapist while getting a divorce can be the key to keeping your mental health in a good place and making the entire process less stressful. If you have children, a child psychologist who specializes in children of divorce can also help make the process easier on them, leading to fewer permanent issues.

Divorces can be messy, but making a conscious effort to avoid some of the most common errors people make while getting a divorce can result in better outcomes for yourself and your children. Although at the moment you may be tempted to take an adversarial approach, in the long run, a more amicable split is less stressful for all involved.