How to Reduce Conflict in Your Divorce Proceedings
Many clients come to The Vendt Law Firm, P.L.L.C. with the desire to have an amicable (or uncontested) divorce and come to an agreement with their spouse about issues like child custody, the division of community property, alimony, and child support. Typically, what they mean is that they want to avoid a trial – which is an understandable goal.
Trials for divorce and child custody can be uncomfortable. In many cases, such proceedings will include a discussion of parents’ worst moments– fights, poor judgment and lost tempers.
Thus, it is understandable that many couples wish to avoid going to court. This can only be accomplished if the spouses agree to the terms that need to be settled. Lack of an agreement will mean that a judge will decide the case for you after hearing testimony, which can become part of the public record.
It should be noted that avoiding a trial will mean that your spouse must also be on board with having an uncontested divorce. This is not always the case. In coming to an agreement, it is helpful to keep in mind the following:
- Neither side will get everything they want. In negotiations, both sides often feel as if they lost. This is not true; the parties have won by agreeing to a plan and avoiding trial.
- Pick your battles. Before going into the negotiation, you should rank what issues are important to you and be more willing to compromise on the issues that mean less to you. Do not get wrapped up in whether your spouse gets something he or she wants.
- Remain flexible. It may be hard to picture your life without your lake house or without your children on Christmas Eve. It’s important to remember that this is a time of change and you will adjust to your new life.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for an Amicable Divorce?
In an “amicable divorce,” there are still terms that need to be negotiated. An attorney will see to it that you are getting a fair deal.
Even if you expect your divorce proceedings to be amicable, you may need a lawyer if the proceedings turn litigious. If you do not have an attorney from the start, retaining an attorney mid-case could delay your proceedings.
In addition, retaining an attorney does not mean that a case will become contentious. A skilled family law attorney will act as aggressively or peaceably as you wish (within the bounds of the applicable ethical guidelines).
Contract a Richmond, TX Divorce Attorney
If you are having problems with your spouse and suspect that a divorce may be in your future, you should speak to an attorney immediately. To schedule a consultation with Richmond divorce lawyer Frank J. Vendt, call our office today at (832) 276-9474 or contact us online.
1 https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/child_custody
2 https://childsupport.oag.state.tx.us/wps/portal/csi
