Once you’ve made the decision to get divorced, you’re likely wondering how the divorce process will go. Will you and your former partner be able to have an amicable divorce, or will it be hostile or complex? Take a look at our breakdown of these three main categories to help you know what to expect.

Amicable: If you and your former partner are consistently able to put your children first and be flexible in creating compromises that meet everyone’s needs, you should be able to have an amicable divorce. You will likely be able to put together an agreement on your own, with a mediator, or with minimal legal council. The only reason you would need to involve a lawyer is to make sure that the agreement is legally binding and notarized.

Complex: Even if you and your former partner are on good terms, you may have to hire lawyers to help you create your agreement if you have a more complicated financial situation. Examples of this could be if you and your partner are in business together, you own multiple properties, or you have inheritances.

Hostile or high conflict: If you have been a victim of neglect or abuse — either emotional or physical — you should be prepared for a higher conflict divorce. Fortunately, you don’t need to go through this alone. A lawyer and the right financial team will help to guide you through this challenging situation.