5 Tips To Arrive At A Marital Settlement Before Going To Your Attorney
“When two people decide to get a divorce, it isn’t a sign that they ‘Don’t understand’ one another, but a sign that they have, at last, begun to.
-Helen Rowland
A marital settlement is simply the agreement between you and your spouse on the terms for your divorce. Some individuals are able to agree on every aspect before seeing an attorney while others may not be able to agree on a single aspect without one. The benefits of reaching a marital settlement before going to the attorney are the terms may be more satisfactory to both parties, create a shorter time before finalizing the divorce, and both parties are more likely to follow through with the agreed terms because of the input being taken from both sides.
- If you don’t understand, don’t sign. This important tip is often overlooked. It is easy to sign your name on a line when you just want to be finished and release the stress and pressure of all the decisions that need to be agreed upon. Take your time and completely read and understand all points made by yourself and your spouse.
- Get the big picture. When married, an entire life is built together so it is important to note every aspect of that life whether it is considered “yours” or “his/hers.” All property, bank accounts, debt, mortgages, savings, investments, vehicles, retirements, benefits, and more need to be written out and discussed in detail in terms of what you have, and will have after the agreement.
- Consider taxes and the road ahead. When negotiating terms, don’t think of just the immediate future, but post divorce, how much will your income be without your spouse? How will your income look if you pay child support? Factoring taxes into your financial decision is paramount since this can change how much you are getting or giving depending on the circumstances.
- Consider Emotions and Bitterness. Divorce can be extremely painful, angering, and sad. However you may feel about it, intense emotions may arise and have the possibility of clouding your vision for the negotiation. If you are feeling too intense, take breaks and really ask yourself if you need to reevaluate doing the agreement without the immediate help of an attorney.
- Hire a mediator, an experienced family law attorney. A mediator is not someone emotionally invested in either party, does not press for a certain outcome, and will not play judge to any of the decisions. This helps resolve issues and saves couples thousands by offering an objective perspective.
Contact Us Today for Your Knowledgeable and Compassionate Attorney
Robert Montgomery can assist you in mediating details of your marital settlement or any other divorce needs you may have. For professional and experienced legal care Call (707) 525-1212 or contact him online today.