CONTESTED V. UNCONTESTED (SHOULD I GO TO COURT OR SETTLE?)

CONTESTED V. UNCONTESTED (SHOULD I GO TO COURT OR SETTLE?)

While most divorcing spouses want to make the process as quick and painless as possible, it may not be that easy. Each marriage and divorce are different, but it’s essential to focus on the business side of divorce instead of letting emotion dictate your actions.

4 factors to consider for settling or litigating a Divorce Case:

Four primary considerations include:

• Time: Divorce trials can take well over a year, depending upon the court’s schedule. Settlements typically take a few months.

• Cost: Some divorcing couples achieve settlements for a few thousand dollars. But the longer the process goes, the more it will cost, and trials can run well into the five-digit range.

• Stress: It’s only logical that a long and contentious divorce creates more anxiety for everyone, while the court controls the schedule. On the other hand, settlements are usually peaceful, and you and your soon-to-be-ex control when, where and how often you meet.

• Outcome: Spouses who work together typically save time, money and experience less stress. However, if one spouse makes unreasonable or inflexible demands over marital property or parenting time, going to court may be the best option.

Focus on fairness over retribution

The notion of “getting even” with a cheating or neglectful spouse is understandable but is usually not a good reason for litigating a divorce.