When you think of divorce, you often think of raging custody battles, people losing big assets, and general disharmony – that’s what the media leads most people to believe. The truth is many people can actually dissolve their marriages amicably and divide property without a fight.
Have you ever thought about an uncontested divorce? It might be a good option for you if you’re looking to be on good terms with your spouse. You won’t be seeing any court time if you take this option, so be sure to write down a list of things that matter to you and try to work out a plan that works best for both of you, a plan that’s fair to both of you.
This way you’ll also be dodging hefty hourly lawyer fees and opting for a flat fee at a fixed rate instead. Not every case is right for this kind of divorce, but if you’re looking for a less dramatic and quicker separation, talk to your attorney.
If you are headed to the courtroom, be sure to at least consider what assets you own, and why keeping them in your possession is best. Remember that most property acquired during a marriage is often considered community property. Anything you own prior to your marriage is still considered yours in most cases.
Bartering can be an effective way to get a fair resolution after you come up with a list of things to be divided. Although offering A for B can be helpful, some people also bring in a third party appraiser to help create a fair balance between items.
If you can’t decide who gets for certain things, you may want to consider putting the items up for sale online, or having a yard sale. The profits would then be split evenly and distributed to both spouses. Keeping your cool, being fair, and expressing a willingness to cooperate can help you avoid fights during this stressful time.
Attorney Candace Peeples practices family law in Birmingham, Alabama.
