How to Ensure a Fair Divorce Settlement
By the time divorce proceedings begin, you’ve already gone through enormous stress and emotional turmoil. But to ensure a fair divorce settlement, you will need to put all of that aside and focus on the practical and legal aspects. Approach divorce negotiations with a clear and objective mindset.
Keep Your Emotions in Check
Out-of-control emotions will only complicate and prolong the process. You may be hurt and feel like you’ve been mistreated, but you can’t let a split-up be about revenge. One strategy is to use “I” statements rather than “you” statements to express your needs and desires. This helps you avoid making accusations that upset everyone but lead nowhere.
Overall, focus on practical matters and try to find common ground. If there are children, you’ll want to put their welfare first. The faster you reach a settlement, the sooner you can be free to walk away.
Work With an Attorney
Your divorce will go more smoothly if you work with an attorney who understands the details of the law and knows strategies for negotiation. Your attorney will be your advocate and express your needs in ways you may find difficult.
An attorney will also advise you on ways to solve problems equitably, especially when finances are involved. For example, many couples will end up selling their home as they go their separate ways. An attorney can help you figure out how to split the proceeds of a home sale.
Be Open and Honest about Finances
Finances cause the biggest conflicts in a divorce. To minimize the acrimony, you should be as open and honest about your finances as possible. By law, you must disclose all assets, including bank accounts, savings, investments, and property. As you split, you will need to consider what your income will look like.
When you own property jointly, it can be difficult to know what to do. It is common for both spouses’ names to be on home deeds and the titles of cars, boats, and other valuable items. It’s likely you have loans to pay off and insurance premiums to pay.
Easy divorces are rare, and the longer you have been married, the more complex they can become. Still, you want to achieve a fair and equitable divorce as smoothly and quickly as possible. Make that your overarching goal, and work toward it with every decision you make.
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