Whenever we hear about contentious divorce cases, whether it is a celebrity case or even a case involving your friends, family members or neighbors, the cause comes down to one of two things – or both: money and the kids. Really, when it comes down to it, those are the only issues in a divorce case.
So, in focusing on the money issue in a divorce case, what you are really dealing with is the issue of property and debt division. If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can’t agree on how to split assets and debt obligations, you may be in for a long slog to the finish line of actually obtaining a divorce decree.
Litigation versus negotiation
Typically, there are two ways for disagreements over property and debt to go. First, the divorcing couple might be able to negotiate about their disagreements, either directly or with the help of mediation. Or, they may decide to “fight it out” in the courtroom through family law litigation.
The reality is that either one of these approaches could be appropriate in any given case. To address the challenge of property and debt division, each spouse needs to be prepared. Prepared to spend, prepared to compromise, prepared to stand your ground – each case is different. If you are facing a divorce in California, the key is to make sure that you have the right information that applies to your own unique situation. Then, if you do, you will be in a better position to address property and debt division in a satisfactory manner.