When you are going through a divorce, and after it is over, there may be hard feelings. It is important to maintain civil communications at all times for several reasons.

1)      If you have children you should never involve them in the divorce process. Children should never hear you or their other parent demean, belittle or criticize the other parent. Commissioners and Judges are very adamant that all communication about and to the other party in front of the children be completely respectful.

2)      During the divorce process, if you have an attorney, use your attorney to communicate with the other party about particularly difficult topics.

3)      When communicating by text, email or phone, it is important to keep records of what is said or written as it may be important to your case. If possible, have a written record so that an accurate record of what was said and what was agreed to. There are tools for printing text messages. It is a good idea to keep a communication log.

4)      If you find yourself exchanging unpleasant e-mails or text message with the other party, you might want to have someone you trust review your e-mails and texts before you send them. Before you send something, it might be valuable to imagine what your response would be if you received the message you are sending.