For some couples, divorce is a never-ending game of chicken. Instead of facing a car or train, the parties seem to face each other, after each pushes his or her agenda at the other. It may seem relentless.
Compromise is possible for both parties, but far too often, one spouse seems to give in more than the other. While some issues may not seem worthy of fighting over, others most definitely are. Giving up to avoid a fight during a divorce may end in hurt months or years after the final dissolution papers. Discover why standing your ground on specific elements may help you heal and move forward.
Child visitation
For divorcing parents, a parenting plan is a crucial and necessary element during a divorce. The document sets forth the visitation agreement between the parties. Drafting a parenting plan may seem like a tedious and unnecessary task in some instances, so letting the other party get his or her way may not seem like a big deal. However, giving one party total control over when the children see the other parent and for how long may end in an unequal and unfair advantage, both in terms of having the children physically and for state child support calculation. Going back after a divorce to modify a parenting plan is time-consuming and costly.
Property division
Fighting over assets may seem ridiculous, even in a state where everything divides equitably under the law. However, this does not mean that the split is necessarily fair. Giving in too quickly when faced with conflict over property may result in one spouse getting more assets but less debt. Remember that debt also divides between the parties. As such, pushing for a fair split for both may result in more money and less liability after divorce.
Starting over is not an easy pill to swallow, and doing so with a troubling and unfair divorce decree is even harder. Take the time to advocate for what is right and choose an ally who will help you through it all.
