Can I Avoid Going To Court During Divorce?
If you’re into watching legal dramas, then you probably think that divorce has to be a drawn-out court battle. However, there is another way to dissolve a marriage and that method avoids the courtroom altogether. Many couples find that settling their divorce outside the courtroom is a quicker route to dissolving their marriage.
While mediating your divorce can save time, money, and emotional pressure, it doesn’t mean that you won’t need the aid of an Orlando divorce attorney. In this article, our lawyers will discuss how to settle a divorce outside of court, and why it benefits you to do so.
What needs to be decided during mediation?
An out-of-court settlement, often referred to as an uncontested divorce, occurs when both spouses agree to all terms of the divorce without needing a judge to intervene on their behalf. The couple will need to agree on:
- The division of assets and debts – How the marital estate will be divided including all assets and debts.
- Alimony – Whether one spouse will pay alimony to the other, and if so, how much will they pay and for how long?
- Child custody and child support – You will need to decide on custody arrangements for the children including timesharing and visitation. If there are children, then child support is a foregone conclusion. You must agree on an amount.
What are the benefits of settling outside of court?
Settling your divorce outside of court has several key advantages over litigating your divorce, which can be costly and time-consuming. These include:
- Saving money – Battling it out in court is expensive. Legal fees and court fees pile up. Out of court settlements tend to cost significantly less.
- It takes less time – Court schedules and protracted litigation will delay the divorce process. Settling outside of court generally speeds things up a bit. This allows both parties to move forward sooner.
- Privacy – Court proceedings are always public and a matter of public record. Settlements made out of court remain private which protects you from public scrutiny.
- Control – When you litigate a divorce, the judge makes all of the decisions for you. With mediation, the control remains in your and your spouse’s hands.
The bottom line
Settling your divorce outside of court is the best option for the majority of couples. It offers benefits like cost savings, efficiency, privacy, and more control over the outcome. However, it’s essential to work with an experienced divorce attorney to prepare for the complexities surrounding your divorce settlement. You have to make certain that the agreement is legally sound.
Talk to an Orlando Divorce Lawyer Today
If you’re considering settling your divorce out of court, you should contact an experienced Orlando family lawyer to help you. We can provide the legal expertise and support needed to draft an ironclad divorce decree that settles all the issues related to your divorce. Call Greater Orlando Family Law today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help.
