What to Do If You and Your Spouse Cannot Agree on Asset Distribution

Asset distribution can quickly become a point of contention during divorce settlement negotiations. It is typically in the best interest of both spouses to keep the issue out of the courts and reach an agreement on their own — but this is not always an easy process.

So, what should you do if you and your spouse simply cannot reach an agreement when dividing marital assets? Below are a few tips:

• Work with a mediator: Retain a mediator to help you and your spouse work through any of the issues preventing you from reaching an agreement. It can be very much worth the extra time and expense to consult a mediator to help you overcome these issues so that you do not have to go to court.
• Get your priorities straight: If you can avoid fighting over small items that have more emotional value than monetary value, asset distribution can go much more smoothly. Save these smaller issues until you have reached agreements on the most important assets, such as vehicles, real estate, businesses and retirement benefits. Typically, once you have been productive in reaching agreements about these higher-priority items, you’ll find it much easier to negotiate about the small things.
• Know how the courts would handle it: It can help to familiarize yourself with how the state of New York handles property distribution. This will give you an idea of what is or is not acceptable under the law so that you don’t reach agreements that are inherently one-sided or flawed.

For further tips and guidance on managing asset distribution negotiations, speak with a skilled Long Island divorce lawyer at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.