Are you and your spouse unsure about who should get what?
Save money
With average legal costs to get a divorce in the United States coming in at about $15,000 per spouse, hiring an attorney to help negotiate your settlement agreement may not be the most expeditious, and/or affordable way to develop terms or components of the agreement. Terms include (but are not limited to-) the division of marital assets and debts and a parenting plan.
Create your own terms
Leaving it to the court takes control away from you and your spouse. It puts the decision to a judge, someone who does not know you or your spouse other than what is presented by both legal teams. In many situations, the case presented by the opposing team is not what either spouse wants the division of their family or assets based upon.
Once the gavel falls
Unless there is a reason for an appeal and it is granted, in most cases, the decision is final. Spouses unhappy with the judge's decision are often advised by their legal counselors to accept it.
While one may request an eventual modification to the parenting plan or support, other terms, like asset and debt allocation are often permanent.
Get it over with
Some dockets are so full, the case may not be heard for months or years.
The alternative is for spouses to negotiate directly with one another and/or hire a mediator to assist them with some or all terms. While some couples do fine working together, hiring a mediator provides a process driven format that keeps everything flowing smoothly and with less friction between each party.
STLDC Mediators also provide services for modifications. Call for details.
Set a Free Initial Appointment TODAY!
Appointment Calendar