Divorce Tips for Men
Divorce is not considered a pleasant experience by any means, but it doesn’t have to be so contentious that spouses spend years battling in court. Preparation is key to helping things go smoothly and getting the things that are most important in a divorce settlement.
No two divorces are exactly the same, so the choices that are right for each individual will differ. Having said that, divorce lawyer Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq. offers these divorce tips for men that provide some general guidelines for making divorce proceedings successful for our East Brunswick, Freehold, and Wall, NJ, clients.
Try to Keep Things Amicable
When spouses choose to divorce it is because the relationship has deteriorated. Add on the stress of dividing assets and/or settling matters of child custody, and it is natural that people get defensive and resentful. Although feelings of anger are to be expected, it is much easier (and cheaper) to get through a divorce proceeding when things are amicable. And if children are involved, it is in their best interest that parents avoid conflict as much as possible.
It may not always be easy to keep things friendly with a soon-to-be ex-spouse, but these pieces of advice can help in minimizing tension:
- Try to communicate as much as possible through a lawyer, mediator, or other neutral third-party
- Avoid talking bad about each other in front of children
- Take notes after every conversation so that discussions/agreements are on record
- If discussions get heated, end the conversation and resume it at a later time
Focus on Splitting Big Assets First
Dividing assets in a divorce can be daunting, especially if the marriage has lasted for several years. In many states, the courts encourage a 50/50 split of marital assets, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that everything needs to be sold so the profits can be split down the middle. Instead, one spouse can be given certain assets (the marital house, for example), while the other spouse is given assets of equal value. It is a good idea to split big assets first (homes, cars, financial accounts, etc.) and then move on to smaller assets, like furniture and household goods.
Prioritize Your Wants and Be Prepared to Compromise
It is important to stand up for yourself in a divorce and fight for the things that are important to you. However, no divorce is free of compromise. We recommend making a list of top priorities prior to any negotiations. Knowing that you will be getting something from your priority list can make it easier to relent on an item of lesser importance, which will ultimately make the entire divorce go more smoothly.
Have a Financial Plan
Whether a spouse is the breadwinner in the marriage or not, it is smart to have a financial plan going into a divorce. Regardless of the specific circumstances of the divorce, it is likely to have some type of financial impact. Plan in advance for any adjustments that may need to be made to stay within a reasonable budget after the divorce goes through. Financial accommodations may include taking on extra hours of work, cutting out certain monthly expenses, or looking for a more affordable housing situation.
Hire a Knowledgeable Lawyer
Again, every divorce is unique, so the single best piece of advice is to hire a knowledgeable divorce lawyer. A lawyer looks out for your best interest, and offers advice that is specific to your unique situation. Lawyers also have a thorough understanding of the divorce laws in their state, and can help clients understand all of the different options that are available to them.
Request a Consultation
If you are heading into a divorce, Jeffrey W. Goldblatt Esq., and his knowledge of the law, can prove invaluable. To find out how we can be of assistance during this trying time, request a consultation online, or call our law firm at (732) 238-8700.
