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?