Where Can My Spouse and I Get Help to Work Out Differences Outside of Court?

When you are divorcing or negotiating a separation agreement, many issues need to be addressed. Decisions need to be made on how community property should be divided, on whether alimony will be paid, and on who will have custody of shared children. Making these decisions can be difficult for couples, especially as people who separate or divorce are generally not getting along very well and may have a hard time compromising. 

It is very beneficial to couples to work out differences outside of court so they can create their own separation or divorce settlement agreement without having to involve a judge and litigate all issues.  If a couple cannot do this on their own, there are places to get help. An Irvine divorce and family lawyer at Brown & Charbonneau, LLP can provide guidance and advice to couples who wish to find an alternative to litigation in resolving their differences during a divorce or separation.

Where Can You Get Help to Work out Differences Outside of Court?

There are a number of different resources to help you work out differences outside of court in separation or divorce.  First and foremost, when each spouse hires a lawyer, this can be enough to help facilitate negotiations. Attorneys can explain the California laws which a judge would apply to a dispute in court. With knowledge of what you actually would be entitled to under the law, you will have a clearer idea of what types of agreements are reasonable to make with your spouse.  When you both have lawyers, your attorneys can also negotiate on your behalf so emotions don’t come into play when trying to reach a compromise.

Sometimes, couples need more than just legal advice from attorneys to work out differences. Communication and compromise may be difficult, but there are other professionals who can help. A collaborative divorce coach is specially trained in helping couples to work together through the process of their divorce and to find opportunities for agreement and compromise. A mediator can also provide invaluable assistance. Professional mediators trained in communication, psychology, and the law can help couples to come together, to communicate more effectively and openly, and to reach their own agreements.

Mediators and collaborative divorce coaches are effective only in situations where both spouses are committed to open communication and compromise. Working with a mediator or going through the collaborative divorce process are both voluntary, and will not work if either spouse is unreasonable and unwilling to resolve differences in a fair way. An attorney can help you to determine if mediation or collaborative divorce could work for you, and can provide you with guidance and advice during the process of working with your spouse to resolve your disagreements.

Brown & Charbonneau, LLP has helped many couples to work out differences outside of court so they don’t have the expense and stress of a litigated divorce. To learn more about how our Irvine divorce and family law attorneys can provide you with the assistance you need as your marriage ends, give us a call today.