Everyone marries with the hope of living happily ever after. Sometimes relationships break apart, and you're contemplating divorce. While no one wants to be an ex in any relationship, there may be no other option available.

Before you begin, consider obtaining the services of a competent attorney who specializes in family law, especially If you have children or large assets such as a home or business. The last thing you want is to lose visitation rights or a business you worked hard to build.

Here's how a divorce typically works.

File a Petition

Either you or your spouse must file a petition for divorce. The petition states where you live in order to meet the residency requirements of the state you live in and the grounds for your divorce.

Request Temporary Orders

It can take up to six months before your divorce is finalized, but you need to work out some details now, such as child support and court-ordered protection should you be in an abusive marriage. A judge can grant these.

Notify Your Spouse

It's your job to make sure your spouse gets notified of the divorce petition. That spouse must respond within a specified amount of time or receive a default judgment and face the risk of losing rights to children and property.

Negotiate a Settlement

If you haven't done it before, this is when you and your spouse work out the details as to who gets what and who will raise any children you have. During this time, the judge will, if necessary, make decrees such as ordering one of the plaintiffs to take online courses for anger management. If you're looking for such help, contact court ordered classes online for more information.

If negotiations fail, your divorce may have to go to trial. That could be problematic and expensive for you both. Work hard to settle your divorce peacefully.

Finalize the Divorce

Once the judge signs your petition, the case is finalized and your marriage is dissolved.

A divorce is a stressful time for you and everyone involved, especially your children. Spare those you love unnecessary trauma and grief by keeping things as amicable as possible. A fractious relationship is likely the reason you're obtaining a divorce, but remember this won't last forever. Speak politely to your spouse and try to keep the anger out of your tone. Common sense and courtesy are the keys to a peaceful divorce that's as painless as possible.