If the better days of your marriage are in the past and you are contemplating a divorce, there are generally two ways of approaching it. You can either settle the divorce inside or outside court.
An out-of-court divorce settlement involves both spouses working together to come up with a mutual agreement on things like property division, alimony, child custody and support. The other alternative entails taking the matter to court for a judge to decide.
It can be a challenging decision to make, given that each option has its pros and cons. Ultimately, it all comes down to the unique aspects of your situation. Here is what you need to know.
An out-of-court divorce settlement is not always viable
Settling your divorce out of court can be less expensive and faster than having to go through a court process. It also gives you more privacy and greater control over how things will go. However, it does not always work out for everyone.
If there are cases of domestic violence that would prevent you from speaking openly or if one spouse is unwilling to negotiate, an out-of-court settlement may not be the way to go. Similarly, if you are sure you will not achieve a fair settlement, attempting negotiations may only eat into your time and money.
Make the right choice and understand your legal rights
If you are unsure of the best approach to settling your divorce, getting an informed assessment of the prevailing circumstances to determine the best way forward is imperative.
Equally important is understanding your legal rights regardless of the choice you make. That way, you will be better poised to protect your interests during each stage of the divorce proceedings.