Obtaining a Favorable Divorce Settlement: 4 Negotiating Tips
If you are going through a Texas divorce, negotiating with your spouse is likely to save you time, money, and anguish. Because such negotiations will directly impact you and your children’s financial future, it is imperative that you aggressively protect your rights and advocate on behalf of your interests. If you are facing divorce, there are four negotiating tips that can help you achieve a favorable settlement agreement with your spouse.
Tip 1: Retain an Experienced Central Texas Divorce Lawyer
Moving forward with divorce negotiations is an excellent choice, but it does not mean that the process will be easy or straightforward. Every divorce is complicated, and it is imperative that you protect your rights while negotiating for what is best for you and your children. A Central Texas divorce attorney will help you see the big picture and will aggressively advocate for a settlement that resolves your case in a way that addresses your goals.
Tip 2: Do Your Homework
Before heading to negotiations, work closely with your dedicated divorce lawyer. Provide your attorney with all your financial documentation – and with any other pertinent information – and consult with him or her about your negotiation priorities. Your attorney will help you build a strong case in solid support of your top priorities and will help you recognize those issues on which you are willing to compromise. By working in close tandem with your attorney, you will avoid a scattershot approach to negotiations and will be better able to focus on what matters most to you.
Tip 3: Keep Your Emotions at Bay
When you head into negotiations, making logical decisions related to the division of your marital property and to child custody arrangements is the order of the day. While every divorce is fraught with emotion, if you are entering into divorce negotiations, it is time to stay focused on making logical decisions that are in your best interest. Your knowledgeable divorce attorney will help you bypass unnecessary drama and focus on what matters.
Tip 4: Avoid an Adversarial Stance
Whenever possible, it is best to avoid moving in an adversarial direction. You are in negotiations to negotiate, and the best way to negotiate is by working to find common ground. Maintaining an attitude that is strictly business can help. This does not, however, mean that you should accept less than that to which you are entitled. Your dedicated divorce attorney will help you determine if and when the time comes to walk away from negotiations that are going nowhere.