Four Benefits To Settling Your Divorce Case Out Of Court

If you are just starting the divorce process, you may envision a long and bitter courtroom battle. Fortunately, this rarely happens in divorce cases. The vast majority of divorces in Delaware County are settled outside of the courtroom. This is typically done during negotiation between the two sides. Negotiations proceed much more smoothly when both sides use a divorce lawyer. There are many benefits to settling your case outside of court. Below, our Delaware County divorce lawyer explains what these are.

Retain Control of Your Future 

Litigating your divorce means taking the case to court, where a judge will make all of the final decisions. Family law judges apply state law to any dispute in a case and their decisions are final and legally binding. You will have an opportunity to argue your side of the case, but this does not necessarily mean a judge will take your arguments into consideration. If you can settle your case outside of the courtroom, you will have more control over the decisions that are made and can obtain a more favorable outcome.

Confidentiality 

The details of some divorce cases are messy and in some cases, they are even embarrassing. If a case is litigated, anything that is said in open court becomes part of public record, meaning anyone can look up the details. Couples that want to keep the details of their divorce confidential greatly benefit from keeping it out of court and reaching an agreement on their own.

Customize Your Child Custody Plan 

When children are involved in a divorce case, it makes everything much more difficult. Judges use a formula when making child custody decisions and they may not always consider what is best for you or your spouse. If you and your spouse can reach an agreement about child custody outside of court, you can customize the plan so that it reflects the needs of everyone in the family. As long as the plan is in the best interests of the children, a judge will approve it.

Save Time and Money 

When a divorce case enters litigation it can take months, or even years, before they are finalized. This is often because proceedings are dependent on the court’s schedule. When negotiating a divorce outside of the courtroom, though, a divorce case can be resolved in a matter of weeks. The longer a divorce case takes, the more expensive it also becomes. Attorneys also often charge more when they have to represent clients in court. Settling your case out of court will not only ensure that it proceeds in a timely manner, but also that it will not cost more than it has to.

Our Divorce Lawyer in Delaware County Can Help Settle Your Case 

Settling your divorce case has many benefits, but doing so on your own is not easy. At Barbara Flum Stein & Associates, our Delaware County divorce lawyer can negotiate with your spouse on your behalf and help you obtain the full and fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us now at 610-565-6100 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get more information.

Source:

legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=23&div=0&chpt=33&sctn=1&subsctn=0