Divorce, custody, spousal support and dividing property can be issues that bring a lot of emotion to the table: anger, fear, sadness, anxiety. Courts have the authority to make decisions where the people involved cannot reach agreements, but negotiations that lead to a settlement can often be a more productive path. If you are entering negotiations, it is important to understand some aspects of it:
1. Each person may be at a different emotional stage of the separation/divorce. The stage of each person may impact what he or she is ready to address or consider.
2. Each person may have a different level of knowledge about the financial aspects of the marriage. Disclosure is important.
3. Even productive negotiations take time, and an immediate agreement may not be reached with the first exchange.
4. If your effort to negotiate does not receive any response, talk to your attorney about next options.
