Negotiation Techniques to Use in Your Illinois Divorce Case

 Posted on January 24, 2023 in Divorce

When spouses can agree on the terms of their divorce and avoid a trial, they can save significant time, money, and frustration. Depending on the circumstances of a divorcing couple's life, the spouses may need to address the division of assets and debts, the allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time schedules, spousal maintenance terms, and other crucial issues before they can finalize the divorce.

Reaching an agreement between two divorcing spouses is rarely easy. If you are getting divorced and you plan to negotiate an out-of-court agreement with your spouse, the following negotiation techniques may help.

Negotiating a Divorce Settlement

Effective negotiation is difficult under the best circumstances, and it can be especially challenging when the individuals involved are in the middle of a divorce. However, if the spouses are willing to negotiate in good faith, put emotions aside, and work diligently toward an agreement, they may be able to reach a settlement. Before you begin the process, keep the following tips in mind:

• Know What You Want – Before you and your spouse start negotiating, it is a good idea to have an idea of what you will and will not compromise on. You should also be able to defend your stance on any issues that are important to you. Knowing in advance which topics are up for negotiation and which ones are not can help ensure that the negotiations go more smoothly.
• Be Open-Minded – It is important to remember that negotiation involves both parties exchanging ideas and suggestions in order to reach an agreement. If you go into negotiations with a closed-minded attitude, it can make the process more difficult.
• Be Prepared to Make Concessions – Making concessions throughout the negotiation process can help you get closer to achieving your goals. It is important to remember that no one will get everything they want, so you should be prepared to make compromises in order to reach an agreement.
• Stay Calm – Negotiations can often become heated, but it is important to stay calm and keep your emotions in check. If the negotiation becomes too intense, take a break, and come back when you and your ex have cooled off.
• Do Not Let Your Spouse Take Advantage of You – Compromise is an essential part of a negotiation. However, it is important to make sure that your ex does not take advantage of you. If they lie, become aggressive, or try to manipulate you, walk away until they are willing to negotiate in good faith. This is one reason that it is important to have a lawyer representing your best interests during a divorce - even if you plan to resolve the divorce out of court.

If you are struggling to communicate about divorce issues effectively, consider working with a mediator. A mediator can help you and your spouse work together in a constructive manner to arrive at mutually beneficial agreements. Your divorce lawyer can also assist with the negotiation process. When a divorce is contentious, settlement negotiations may take place between the spouses’ respective attorneys rather than the spouses themselves.

Contact Our DuPage County Divorce Lawyers

At the Davi Law Group, we are dedicated to helping our clients negotiate favorable divorce settlements and protecting their interests throughout the process. Our Naperville divorce attorneys have extensive experience in all types of family law matters, and we can provide you with the advice and guidance you need during this difficult time. To learn more about how our firm can help, contact us today for a free consultation. Call 630-657-5052.

Source:

https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/negotiation-skills