Since you’re probably going to end up settling….
….hire a settlement expert.
Divorce lawyers can be powerful advocates when you are mired in a contested divorce. They champion their client’s cause, performing detailed discovery of documents, filing legal pleadings and ultimately preparing a case for trial.
But the vast majority of cases ultimately settle—often on the day of trial. Doesn’t it make sense to hire a professional settlement expert before resorting to the nuclear option?
The zealous advocacy of a lawyer costs money. A lot of money. And a contested divorce is a zero-sum game.
Trying some form of mediation prior to lawyering up provides you and your divorcing spouse an inexpensive, respectful alternative that is far more likely to lead to a civil relationship post-divorce. The process is confidential, so if the parties end up litigating nothing revealed during the course of mediation is admissible at trial. What do you have to lose?