Finding the Right DC Divorce Attorney to Help You Negotiate Your Divorce or Separation Out of Court
If you are thinking about separating or have already done so, reaching a negotiated DC divorce settlement is usually a better approach than seeking the court’s assistance to decide on a resolution of the issues. You maintain control over the outcome, and you and your spouse can each have a say in what you want in a settlement.
Negotiating a settlement agreement is less expensive and usually shorter than the court process.
It is best to have a DC Divorce attorney guide you through the process, even if you and your spouse attempt to resolve the issues yourselves. Having advice from an experienced lawyer will assist you in framing the issues that you do need to resolve. Your DC Divorce attorney will then be able to write an effective agreement that is fair to both of you.
Your lawyer can also negotiate a Separation Agreement for you in the event you find it difficult to negotiate directly with your spouse or if your discussions with your spouse break down.
Tips from a DC Divorce Attorney for negotiating a settlement with your spouse:
- Meet with your spouse in a neutral place. Meet at a coffee shop or other public place to try to remove some of the difficult emotions from the process. Your home has too many memories and emotional prompts that make it difficult to speak without falling back into old patterns.
- Concentrate on the issues that need to be resolved, and try not to focus on past grievances that drove you and your spouse apart.
- Be business-like. Even though it is difficult to keep your emotions out of your discussions, it is best to try to avoid re-hashing the disputes that led to the end of your marriage.
- If you and your spouse have children, remember you will be co-parenting them for a long time. You will see each other at important life events and various school and extracurricular events. It is best for the children and for both of you if you and your spouse attempt to keep things as amicable as possible.
- Seek advice from an experienced Washington, DC Divorce attorney whether you intend to negotiate with your spouse or have an attorney negotiate a settlement for you. You will reach a more equitable and fair settlement if you know what your rights are and know the specific issues that need to be resolved in order to have a Separation Agreement (Marital Settlement Agreement) drafted.
If you reach an out-of-court agreement, then the divorce process is very smooth. You will then be able to file for an Uncontested Divorce cooperatively.