Tips for Negotiating a Divorce Settlement

Not all couples who decide to dissolve their marriages are able to come to an agreement without litigating divorce-related issues in court. Parties who have an amicable relationship, however, and are willing to negotiate are often able to come up with a divorce settlement in an out-of-court setting. While this is not always the best course of action for all couples, when it is appropriate it can go a long way towards saving the parties involved a significant amount of time and money, so if you and your spouse have decided to file for divorce, it is critical to contact an experienced Florida divorce attorney who can help protect your interests during the negotiation process.

Commit to Negotiation 

Divorcing couples who want to work towards an out-of-court settlement should start the process by making a firm commitment to negotiate. Achieving this state of mind early in the process can help couples avoid arguments and conflict at a later date, which can quickly derail any settlement proceedings. Open and honest discussion in an informal setting can also help the parties stay focused on negotiation without needing to worry about court dates and hearings.

Understand Your Financial Situation  

For a couple to successfully settle a divorce, both parties will need to have a thorough understanding of their finances. This includes an in-depth review of all assets and debts, as well as income and expenses. Negotiations over property division cannot really begin until this information is at hand and has been fully assessed.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities  

Couples with children who want to reach an out-of-court custody arrangement that is in their child’s best interests should also have a firm grasp of their rights and responsibilities as parents. For instance, parents are obligated to financially support their children, but also have the right to visitation. Parents who fail to fulfill these duties, or who deny the rights of the other parent can cause serious problems during the divorce process.

Establish Goals 

When two parties enter into divorce negotiations, it is critical for each person to have an idea of his or her goals and interests, as parties who don’t know what they want will be unable to negotiate. Clearly and honestly communicating these goals is also crucial to the success of the settlement process. Failing to explain the importance of a request can endanger proceedings, especially for couples with an already tense relationship.

Stay Composed  

One of the easiest ways to derail settlement negotiations is to become overly emotional or lose one’s temper, both of which can quickly escalate to arguments and conflict. Although difficult, placing emotional issues aside can help couples stay focused on what is best for their family in the long run. An experienced attorney can play a crucial role in maintaining open communication  and ensuring that all parties keep their cool during what can be a stressful process.

Contact an Experienced Florida Divorce Lawyer

For help negotiating your own divorce settlement, please call dedicated and compassionate Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. at 954-945-7591 today. You can also reach a member of our legal team by filling out one of our brief online contact forms.

Resources:

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/splitopia/201610/how-have-good-divorce-try-interest-based-negotiation

huffpost.com/entry/how-to-negotiate-your-div_n_8056402

https://www.sandrabonfiglio.com/should-my-spouse-and-i-consider-a-postnuptial-agreement/