Ending a marriage is never an easy process. However, there are ways to make it less stressful and expensive. In collaborative law, you and your ex-partner can work together with your respective attorneys to resolve all aspects of your divorce without going to court.
To achieve a successful collaborative divorce, it's crucial to ask the right questions when drafting your settlement agreement. Here are key considerations to discuss:
1. Division of Assets and Debts
- How will marital property and debts be equitably divided?
- Have all assets, including retirement accounts, real estate, and personal property, been fully disclosed and valued accurately?
- What criteria or methods will you use to reach fair and balanced decisions about division?
2. Parenting and Custody Arrangements
- How will parenting responsibilities be shared?
- What will the custody schedule look like, including holidays and special occasions?
- How will you handle potential future disagreements related to parenting?
3. Financial Support
- Will one spouse pay child support or spousal support? How will the amount be determined?
- What factors, such as earning capacity or special needs, should influence these financial arrangements?
- How and when will these payments be reviewed or modified?
4. Conflict Resolution Plans
- If disagreements arise after the divorce, how will they be handled?
- Will you agree to use mediation or arbitration as a first step before considering court intervention?
- What specific terms and conditions will you include to facilitate ongoing cooperation and minimize conflicts?
5. Future Communication Guidelines
- How will you structure future interactions, particularly around shared parenting or financial matters?
- Should you use specific platforms or apps to streamline communication and record agreements?
Experienced Guidance Through Your Collaborative Divorce
A collaborative divorce can pave the way toward respectful, mutually agreeable outcomes while saving time, money, and emotional energy. At the Law Offices of Maribeth Blessing, LLC, our skilled attorneys are dedicated to helping you craft a comprehensive and clear settlement agreement through collaborative law.
For personalized legal support, call our Rockledge, PA office at 215-608-6236 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate your collaborative divorce effectively.