After the children grow up, marriage often looks very different from when they were little, and many Florida couples find that they no longer have anything in common. If you and your spouse want to divorce now that you are empty nesters, you might find that splitting assets becomes more complicated than you hoped. Although going to court might be the first thing that comes to mind, it may not be your best option.
Couples over the age of 65 typically have more real property, retirements accounts and investments than when they were 25 years old. If you go to court, many of the details of your divorce become public record. This means that anyone can view certain aspects of your case. However, there are ways to work out a satisfactory settlement privately.
Limit the submitted information
Private agreements provide some control over how much of your life you must reveal in court documents. The contents of these agreements are separate from the issues addressed in the courtroom. If you cannot avoid litigation altogether, you might limit the topics you discuss in front of the judge.
Use mediation instead of litigation
Mediation can help you avoid divorce court and eliminate the fees and scheduling conflicts that often accompany reserving a courtroom. This alternative utilizes a professionally trained neutral third party to help you work out a settlement agreement. This person does not make decisions. Instead, he helps you approach the issues creatively and develop a plan that works for both of you.
Addressing your concerns in a safe space instead of the combative atmosphere of the courtroom often reduces the stress of your divorce and maintains privacy. As a result, it might help you move forward faster with your life.
