Normally, you may be a confident and outspoken person. But you may feel timid as you prepare for your divorce. Sticking up for yourself may scare you, especially if your spouse earns most of your household’s income. To keep proceedings from becoming contentious, you may feel that you must placate them. Yet, to ensure that your settlement reflects your circumstances, it is important to speak up for your needs during your divorce.
Speaking up allows you to account for your needs
Even if you and your spouse are parting on civil terms, you two may not see eye to eye about certain matters of your divorce. For instance, you may feel that the amount of alimony or child support they are proposing to pay is too low. If their offer would make it difficult for you to make ends meet, you must be able to say so. To strengthen your position, in this case, you may want to propose counteroffers that will allow both of you to maintain your lifestyles.
Speaking up helps you receive a fair share of assets
Your financial circumstances could make your divorce especially challenging. If your spouse has a substantial portfolio, runs a business or owns investment properties, you will want to make sure you receive a fair share of these assets. Yet, you may not know their value, nor the exact share of them that you are entitled to. To avoid losing out on these assets, you will want to address your concerns with your attorney. With their help, you can develop a better understanding of what you can receive and a strategy to secure it.
Speaking up keeps you in the driver’s seat
If you and your spouse’s circumstances are complex, it is imperative that you do everything in your power to remain in control over your divorce. You may have come up with unique solutions that make sense in your situation, and your spouse may be on board with them. Yet, they will never get off the ground if you do not speak up. By sharing these ideas, you can work toward creating a marital settlement agreement that is mutually acceptable.
Voicing your needs during your divorce will improve your odds of achieving the outcome you desire. A family law attorney can help you work toward a settlement that is appropriate for your unique situation.