If you were previously married or in a partnership based on common law, you will at some time after the breakup be required to finalize the property settlement. Direct discussions with your ex-spouse are not always feasible, and they may not even be suitable in some circumstances, such as when there is a history of domestic violence in the family.  On the other hand, if you can reach an agreeable settlement outside of court, you will save a significant amount of time, energy, and maybe even money. The process of bargaining will go more smoothly if you keep these guidelines in mind.

1. Keep yourself informed- It’s crucial to acquire legal assistance as soon as possible after separating from your spouse since doing so will assist you in comprehending how the law operates and where you rank. This is true even if the idea of getting guidance so soon after the breakup seems overwhelming. If money is a concern, look for property settlement lawyers that provide free consultations for new clients. It is crucial to be aware of where you are legally and to go into the process with as much information as possible. This allows you to begin to consider what a reasonable settlement may look like as well as how you might get at it.

2. Ensure that your goals are attainable- It is essential to keep in mind that your situation is unique when you are trying to figure out what constitutes fairness in your instance. Do not evaluate your situation in relation to that of a member of your family or a close friend who has already gone through the process of settling a property dispute.

Think about what you want to accomplish in the end, and then take the appropriate actions (such as consulting with experts like attorneys and financial advisors) to determine whether or not this is a solution that is feasible for you. For instance, if you wish to keep the family home but your partner wants to sell it, would it be possible for you to take over the current debt while also paying your partner off? Spending months in negotiations on a solution that cannot be found is a waste of time and effort. You also need to establish time boundaries that are feasible in order to keep track of where you are and to facilitate future planning.

Especially in situations in which one side is in a stronger position than the other, prolonging or postponing the process of settling a property dispute can produce anxiety. For the duration of the time, it takes to decide on the property settlement, one of the parties may be required to reside in temporary housing. Beforefinalizing the property settlement, you might want to evaluate whether or not you and your ex-spouse will need to remain under the same roof while you are separated.