Starting a divorce can be difficult, especially when you and your spouse are not on the same page on certain issues. You may be wondering if the only way to settle conflicts is by going to court. However, litigation has risks that could only do more harm than good in your divorce.
Here are three real, hidden impacts of fighting out disagreements in a courtroom.
Increasing costs and lengthy proceedings
Contested divorces are costly procedures due to attorney, professional and court costs. Your total bill can increase further, especially if your divorce has complex issues. Additionally, litigation can last for a long time. This causes disturbances in your career, as you need to be present in court hearings and face a process that stretches months beyond the initial mandatory 20-day waiting period.
Unpredictable outcomes
In litigation, you surrender control. The judge has the final say on all aspects of the divorce, from dividing your marital properties to addressing child custody arrangements. They must make permanent decisions based on evidence presented in a formal setting.
When you and your spouse negotiate, you control the outcome. When you go to court, you must accept the high risk of an unpredictable ruling you both might regret.
Public exposure
All divorce proceedings and filings become a public record in Florida. The public can access information about your hearing’s final ruling, potentially exposing the reason for the split and other sensitive matters. If privacy matters to you, going to court can be a huge risk.
Compassionate conclusion and alternative
While divorce litigation can help solve conflicts between you and your spouse, you can end up facing risks that can put you at a disadvantage. Fortunately, there are other options available in handling your divorce. Mediation and collaborative divorce are examples that can help you and your spouse settle on an agreement that suits both sides.
Before you decide on an option, consider talking to your spouse first to gain their input. Seeking legal advice from a divorce attorney can also be beneficial.