Six Keys to a Successful Divorce Negotiation

 Posted on September 20, 2017 in Divorce

Parties negotiating a divorce settlement must walk a fine line between protecting their interests and cooperating with the other side. A person who acquiesces too often may end up with an unfavorable settlement. However, being uncompromising can prevent the sides from reaching an agreement. When spouses are unable to settle their divorce on their own, a court is forced to make important decisions for them. The resulting divorce settlement may leave both parties unsatisfied. If you plan to divorce, it is in your best interest to reach an agreement with your spouse on a settlement. You can improve your chances of a healthy negotiation by planning your approach to the process:

1. Identify Your Priorities: Arguing every aspect of your divorce will slow down negotiations and create a combative atmosphere. Before negotiations start, you should determine which aspects of the settlement are most important to you. Save your arguments for those aspects, and be more willing to compromise on other aspects.
2. Check Your Emotions: You may have left your spouse on bad terms, but that should not prevent you from being professional during negotiations. Speak only for yourself during the negotiations and keep the discussion away from unnecessary topics that may cause an argument.
3. Tackle Urgent Issues First: There are parts of a divorce settlement that both you and your spouse are anxious to discuss. Address them early on, rather than letting them linger over the negotiations.
4. Avoid Intimidation Tactics: Do not make offers that you know are unfair or give ultimatums. Pressuring your spouse may put him or her on the defensive, but you also risk a breakdown in negotiations. You may lose more by allowing a court to settle your divorce than if you had been willing to compromise.
5. Be Honest and Forthright: Lying about your finances to gain an advantage will put you in a weaker position if you get caught. Be proactive in providing information about yourself as a sign that you will conduct these negotiations in good faith.
6. Swallow Your Pride: Egos on both sides can prevent spouses from continuing negotiations or reaching a sensible agreement. Be willing to sacrifice your pride in order to prevent a break in negotiations.

Legal Guidance

When negotiating your divorce settlement, it may be difficult to know when you should be aggressive and when you should be willing to concede. A Kane County divorce attorney at Goostree Law Group can advise you on how to conduct a successful negotiation that results in the divorce settlement you need. To schedule a free consultation, call 630-584-4800.

Source:

http://www.divorcesource.com/ds/negotiating/divorce-negotiation-2820.shtml