How Can an Attorney Help With Divorce Settlement Issues? 

Identifying your reasons for divorce is an important first step to drafting a divorce settlement agreement. If you want to avoid protracted settlement negotiations, it is best to document your evidence and explain any misconduct your spouse committed. Also, don’t withhold important information that could help your attorney build a strong case. Your attorney will need to know your grounds for divorce before negotiating your settlement. 

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Pretrial conferences 

Pretrial conferences are less formal than trials and do not have binding rulings. Instead, they suggest the likelihood that the two parties will settle their case. This may be an option for couples who have not been able to settle before. The judge may also offer feedback to the parties and their counsel. 

Pretrial conferences are scheduled after the parties and their attorneys have entered into a Case Management Agreement. These agreements lay out the timelines for various tasks in the divorce case, including discovery, depositions, appraisals, valuations, and more. Pretrial conferences are often scheduled after discovery is complete, making it possible to discuss contested issues. 

Documentation 

Whether you’re seeking a divorce or are already separated, it’s important to bring all relevant documents to your attorney’s office. You might be tempted to hide certain documents, but that’s a mistake. Your opposing attorney will almost always be able to locate them. Documentation can help an attorney deal with divorce settlement issues that you may not be aware of. So, bring everything you have – and don’t be afraid to go back to the courthouse if necessary. 

The last thing you want is for the divorce to become even more contentious than it already is. In such a situation, it can be hard for you to obtain the necessary documents. This is why you should start gathering the documents as soon as possible. You should note that these documents are not secret or hidden; they are simply financial and practical information. 

Avoiding protracted settlement negotiations 

If you have the option, try to settle your divorce outside of court. While a trial can be stressful for both parties, it is unlikely to improve your co-parenting relationship or improve your attitude toward your spouse after the divorce. If you do try to settle outside of court, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an attorney who is experienced in divorce cases. 

Another benefit of settling out of court is that you retain more control over the process. You and your spouse will likely be able to come up with creative solutions to address the issues that are most important to you and your family. Plus, you’ll be able to retain the same attorneys who know the facts and issues of your case. This can help you avoid emotional and financial stress. 

Modifying a divorce settlement agreement 

A spouse may want to consider modifying a divorce settlement agreement if the circumstances change. Many times, the parties will agree to make the changes and the judge will then incorporate the changes into the final divorce decree. When modifying an existing agreement, the spouses must prove that the new circumstances are the result of a change in circumstances. 

Modifying a divorce settlement agreement will help an attorney with the divorce settlement issues that arise. It may also be possible to appeal the court’s decision if one or both parties disagree with it. However, divorce settlements are rarely overturned on appeal. However, if either party feels that the ruling was unfair, they can argue that the judge did not apply the law correctly. Alternatively, they may argue in support of the lower court’s ruling. However, they cannot present new evidence on appeal.