Tips for Negotiating Spousal Support Outside of an Illinois Court

 Posted on November 29,2021 in Divorce

Although it may seem difficult or even impossible, many spouses have been able to work through their differences and successfully negotiate a divorce agreement through mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods. One important but challenging issue that many couples must address is that of spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance. 

Avoiding the hassle, expense, and conflict of litigating a divorce in court is usually best for everyone - especially if there are children involved. Although negotiating spousal support may be difficult, it is well worth the effort. Here are three tips for helping you begin. 

Successful Alimony Negotiations 

• Focus on finding a solution - Rather than hashing out old differences, stay task-oriented and work towards an outcome. Try not to make accusations; instead, communicate your feelings and focus on your priorities. 

• Consider the entire divorce decree - If your spouse is willing to compromise on things that are important to you in other areas of your divorce, you may want to give a little in the spousal maintenance area. This is especially true with financial matters - the division of property, for example, may be influenced by spousal maintenance negotiations. 

• Work hard to collaborate - Experts agree that spouses who can agree to the terms of their divorce agreement outside of court are more likely to be satisfied by its terms and to abide by them in the future. If you can show that you are interested in actively listening and asking questions, you may get the information you need to reach a compromise. 

• Be reasonable - Your requests are much more likely to be granted if you are asking for something that is within your spouse’s powers to give. Although some people feel as though bringing aggressive demands from the beginning may be a helpful tactic, you risk alienating your spouse and shutting down the conversation altogether. 

With the help of a great divorce attorney and a smart negotiation strategy, there are many different ways a spousal support agreement can work. Once an agreement has been submitted, spouses will submit it to the court for approval and if the terms are legal and fair, the court can approve it. 

Meet with an Arlington Heights Spousal Support Attorney

Creating an agreement about spousal support can be a challenging task, but an experienced DuPage County spousal support attorney with A. Traub & Associates can help. At A. Traub & Associates, we have worked with many couples seeking to avoid the conflict and expense of trial litigation and we are committed to seeking compromise while protecting your interests. Call us today at 847-749-4182 to schedule an initial consultation and find out more. 

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+V&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=6200000&SeqEnd=8675000