The process of divorce may seem overwhelming, especially because you have to also deal with all the physical, emotional and social aspects of ending your marriage. Even if you and your spouse are having trouble agreeing on anything and everything, the divorce itself does not have to be a long, drawn-out and emotionally draining process.

Here are ways to make your divorce easier.

Address concerns in a business-like manner

Unlike your relationship, your marriage is a legal matter. Try to imagine your soon-to-be ex-spouse as a business partner, and speak to him or her as you would a colleague. This may help you separate the business of ending the marriage from the emotions of loss and the trauma of upheaval.

Look for ways you can compromise

You have things you are not willing to give up, and so does your spouse, and you probably already have a pretty good idea of what those things are. Before you begin to discuss property division and child custody, think carefully about what you need and what you can compromise on. With your list of priorities written down in order, you may find that negotiations are not such a struggle.

Seek mediation

The two of you do not have to be able to be in the same room to negotiate a fair settlement, although it may take less time if you can. You can hire a divorce mediator: a neutral third party trained in conflict resolution strategies with knowledge of family law. This person can work with you and your spouse — together or separately — to create realistic expectations, negotiate and find solutions until you have a settlement that both spouses and the judge are willing to sign.