Tips on Navigating a Successful Uncontested Divorce
Pursuing an uncontested divorce can save you precious time and money. When you and your spouse can agree on all the fundamental aspects of your divorce, your divorce will proceed quicker and reduce the amount of legal fees you owe. However, coming to terms with your ex is not easy. You will need to agree on issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. If you can successfully reach an agreement together, it will save you time in mediation and litigation. In this article, the Philadelphia family lawyers at The Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane will discuss several keys to ensuring a successful uncontested divorce.
Document your conversations with your spouse
It is imperative that you document any conversations you have with your spouse while you are discussing your divorce settlement. This evidence will be important for your case, especially when it comes to negotiating terms for your divorce decree. Misunderstandings and disputes may arise if your agreements are only verbal and not documented. Memories change and fade over time. Two people may not remember conversations the same way. What initially appears to be a mutual understanding can later become a point of dispute.
Couples who don’t properly document their negotiations with their spouse may find their agreements compromised down the line. When you file your divorce agreement, the court will rely on written documents to ensure the enforcement of the agreement. Ambiguity is often a problem for the court. Courts may not be able to legally enforce an ambiguous agreement.
Focus on financial details
It takes a lot of information to file for a successful divorce. The majority of this information is financial. You will have to consider not only the division of property, but also, debts, retirement accounts, and tax implications. Those who fail to consider these financial aspects of divorce can expect later costs down the line. Many couples choose to consult a financial advisor while hammering out their uncontested divorce agreement.
Consider future changes to your agreement
One thing that many spouses fail to consider is what happens in the event of a major change in their life circumstances. Child custody and visitation schedules will need to be revisited as your children age. A sudden change such as the loss of a job may impact alimony or child support. A parent may decide to move, creating an issue with their visitation schedule. The visitation schedule may also need to be changed if the parent secures a different job. All of these are potential pitfalls to a divorce settlement that doesn’t include provisions for changes that occur naturally in the lives of parents and former spouses.
Talk to a Philadelphia County Divorce Lawyer Today
The Philadelphia County divorce attorneys at The Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane represent the interests of divorcing couples in mediation and litigation. We can also help you hammer out or mediate an uncontested divorce agreement. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and learn more about how we can help.
