Advantages Of Filing Jointly for Divorce
Couples able to work together through divorce experience advantages in every aspect of the process. They move through divorce quickly, save money on legal expenses and reach compromises on property division and child support that both parties may find acceptable. Couples save money on uncontested divorce even when they hire lawyers to a settle complex financial situations.
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Legal Expenses
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Couples with one party who contests the divorce or the terms of the settlement must head to court, where a long and expensive legal battle awaits. Filing jointly for an uncontested, no-fault divorce is the least expensive divorce option. Couples who need attorneys to settle complicated financial and family situations may choose a cooperative or collaborative divorce process that allows attorneys to work together and resolve the situation more quickly than a trial.
Child Support
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Contested divorces leave decisions about child support payments and child visitation in the hands of the court, and the more financially secure party must pay whatever the court decides. When a judge decides the child support amount, your ability to pay does not overcome your obligation. Filing jointly and preparing your own settlement ensures that both parties can agree on child support payments that are fair, reasonable and easy to complete regularly, and missed payments are less likely.
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Division of Property
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Courts also decide on the division of property during contested divorces. Filing for divorce with separate claims means that one party may relinquish a large percentage of the couple's property, investments and belongings. Filing jointly and preparing your own statement grants you control over relinquishing assets. Cooperative divorces also ensure a more equal and fair division because the lawyers are working together rather than battling for an advantage.
Physical and Emotional Costs
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Protracted court battles over separate divorce claims can drain the physical and emotional reserves of both parties. Distraction and grief lead to lost professional productivity and careless handling of investments. The physical toll of a long divorce battle may lead to costly health problems. When couples file jointly and work together as amicably as possible, they return to normal life and productivity quickly.
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References
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