As recently reported in an article on the Dad's Online website: 

"So many dads get a shitty deal when it comes to divorce.  

It can break men financially and emotionally."

 

But not all men get a shitty deal. 

A study was conducted on men who came through divorce feeling like they were treated fairly and their needs were considered and met. Below are the top 10 pieces of advice they received which made the process go better for all parties. 

It helped these dads survive the process of divorce and keep their self-esteem, their relationship with their children and their post-divorce life a little more manageable. It could help you too.

 

1. Take down the sails.  

A counsellor I once worked with commented that in family relationships, we often hoist our sails when the wind blows hardest and thus get blown around out of control.  The fathers who made it through the process took down their sails when the wind blew harder, both at home before the divorce and during the process.  

When the angry wife hurled bitter comments or recriminations, they took note of what was said, but they didn’t retaliate in kind.  They found that when they could react rationally and not in anger, they were more careful and more thoughtful, and didn't give their wife ammunition to use against them later.

 

2. Don’t move out of the home.  

Fathers who made it through successfully learned when a father moves out of the home before a divorce decree, they put themselves in a bad position.  Generally, the Mum has practical sole parenting time if Dad leaves, and she may then be in a stronger position to get the upper hand in a parenting arrangements battle. 

You may need to move into another bedroom and avoid your spouse as much as possible to keep the discord down but leaving the house will be a strategic disadvantage when making a parenting plan later.

 

3. Start keeping records.  

Purchase a journal and keep careful records of everything that is said and done about the divorce process.  Note all threats, insults, etc. from your spouse recording dates and times.  Keep very careful records of your spending habits, the money you give her or the kids, and expenses you pay.  If there is a negative incident in public, write it down and record the names of any witnesses.  

View your bank records periodically so that you can identify any large withdrawals made by your spouse.  Record keeping is often the telling factor in a legal system that relies on records and facts, and some would say seems biased against men.

 

4. Keep your behaviour clean.  

Limit your consumption of alcohol and drugs; in fact, stop altogether if possible.  Pay your bills on time.  Don’t get into public spectacles that will cause anyone to question your level of responsibility.  Don’t allow your spouse to egg you into a confrontation and especially do not engage in any form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse.  In order to come out of a divorce process with your reputation and finances intact, you cannot ever be the aggressor.  

Because of the pro-mother bias of the family law system, you have a higher standard of behaviour to exhibit than she does.  It’s not fair, but it is the way it is.

 

5. Find competent and sympathetic legal counsel soon.  

If you feel that a protracted property settlement or arrangements for children is inevitable, it is better to get yourself a good lawyer who specialises in family law.  Check around for references; don’t just choose a family friend or relative, but find a lawyer who has a good reputation in working with fathers.  Other divorced dads can give you recommendations – positive or negative – about their lawyers.  You can also call your local state bar association for a recommendation.  Then, be totally honest and open with your lawyer and remember, he or she works for you, not the other way around.

 

6. Keep the lines of communication open with the children.  

Often, the feeling the children have about their father makes or breaks a parenting case.  Keep communicating with them; show up to their games, recitals and performances and praise them.  Help with homework and have some fun together as well.  

Don’t talk negatively about their mum in their presence, no matter how she may talk with them about you.  

Your positive interactions with them will help with the process, and will also preserve a relationship for later when the dust settles and the new normal sets in.

 

7. Don’t hesitate to look for support.  

The separation and divorce process can be a very isolating time for a father, and our male machismo often makes it harder to talk about our problems.  Connect with extended family, supportive friends, clergy, life coaches and professional counsellors if necessary. If you're feeling overwhelmed call MensLine: 1300789978 or Lifeline: 131114 (both have telephone and online chat services available 24/7).

Be careful not to overburden your family and friends with the divorce process; keep a balanced outlook as you interact with others.  Remember, you aren’t looking for sympathy, but for support.

 

8. Keep yourself well.  

Many fathers neglect their physical health during these stressful times, and they become depressed and isolated.  

Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and avoiding harmful substances is always a good strategy, and even more important in times of anxiety.  You need to be at the top of your game when you deal with these emotionally challenging experiences.  

And don’t forget your spiritual side as well; prayer, filling your mind with positive messages and being close to your God can be a source of strength as well.

 

9. Be prepared for twists and turns.  

One of my friends had a restraining order placed against him based on false accusations.  Eventually, it was overturned – in large part due to his good record keeping that gave him alibis – but being barred from seeing his children was emotionally devastating.  Understand that it can be a bitter and gut-wrenching time and don’t be surprised if things surprise you along the way.

 

10. Be a support for others going through the process.  

I am so appreciative of the dads who have shared their stories with me over the years and who have helped others keep their perspective through the difficulties of divorce.  

Both Dads Online and Divorce Resource appreciate it when you share your story to help other dads find their path through this extraordinarily difficult and potentially emotionally devastating process.

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A version of this article originally appeared on the Dads Online website.
It is re-published here with the permission of the site administrator.