Understanding Legal Battles

Divorce is never an easy thing to go through. Even if you and your soon-to-be ex part ways amicably, divorce can still affect you emotionally. Whether you have an amicable or contested divorce, it is important that you get everything you want during the proceedings. Here are three tips to do just that.

1. Suggest mediation instead of a battle in court.

Going through mediation can not only save you both time, but it can also save you money. You both can meet with mediators and discuss the details of the divorce. You can divide up any assets, divide up any belongings you co-own, and even arrange for child custody during divorce mediation.

Mediation is good because it allows both of you to sit down with a mediator who has no vested interest in the outcome, which means they will not be pushing for either of you to get more than the other.

Also, you are better able to have a discussion with each other when you go through mediation than if you go through court. And mediation gives you a better chance of getting the things you want out of the divorce, because you both get to decide how everything is done instead of a judge.

2. Be willing to compromise.

One thing that usually makes many divorce cases so difficult is that one or both parties aren't willing to compromise. You can't expect to get everything the two of you accumulated during your marriage. For one thing, it's just not fair to the other person. Second, it may get you the exact opposite if you have to battle it out in front of a judge.

An example of when you should compromise is if you owned two vacation properties as a married couple. You should pick one that you want to keep and allow your soon-to-be ex keep the other.

If you both want the same property and can't come to an agreement, then a judge will step in. Depending on your state, you could be forced to sell the property and split the proceeds evenly. Or the judge may decide who gets what property.

3. Don't lie about assets and money you have during divorce proceedings.

If you want to know one surefire way not to get what you want in the divorce, it's to lie to the court about your assets and finances. Don't hide money so your soon-to-be ex can't get it. Also, don't hide properties or valuable belongings.

You may think that you will get away with it and you won't have to give your ex any of the money or assets, but you need to think again. Divorce attorneys can be really good at investigating during the proceedings and can uncover everything you try to hide.

If you have a lot of wealth and your divorce is not very friendly, then you will likely have to rely on the judge to give you what you want during the proceedings. If a judge finds out you have been hiding money and other valuable assets, he won't be as willing to consider what you want when it comes to dividing things up.

You can also face legal consequences, such as jail time and fines, for committing perjury. So, if you want a better chance at getting the assets that you want out of the divorce, don't hide any of it from the court.

For more information, contact Reneer & Associates or a similar firm.