Divorce and custody myths have led many people to believe that the process always has to be adversarial. Even when you hire attorneys to advocate on your behalf, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to fight over every detail in order to get a fair result. In fact, needless arguments can significantly lengthen the process.
If you’re separating amicably, consider where you might be willing to make concessions. Here are some tips to speed up the process:
- Decide what’s important:When you meet with your attorney, you should already have an idea of what you’d like to get out of the divorce. That might include certain assets, a particular custody arrangement, spousal and child support and more. Decide your main priorities, then let your lawyer know what’s most important.
- Know your rights: Before you agree to anything with your spouse, it’s important to understand your legal rights to property and custody. Consult with a divorce and custody attorney to find out more about your rights and the most likely outcome if you have to fight everything in court.
- Decide where you can negotiate:Next, try to figure out where you’re willing to make concessions if it helps you achieve your main goals. For example, perhaps you’re willing to let your spouse have a certain asset in exchange for keeping another.
- Ask your spouse if they’re willing to negotiate:If your split is amicable, approach your spouse and ask them if they’ll be willing to negotiate and agree on certain terms before you bring in attorneys. However, if you have a contentious or abusive spouse, you may have no choice but to litigate every detail.
If you can come to any agreements, your attorneys can focus on the remaining issues. This saves time and money—and it can even preserve your post-divorce and co-parenting relationship.
For more information about negotiating divorce settlements, reach out to the skilled divorce lawyers at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. in St. Paul, MN today.
