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Will A Divorce Settlement Play A Role In Your Case?

On Behalf of | May 21, 2020 | Divorce |

Getting a divorce is a complex matter. You and any other Oregon resident facing this ordeal certainly want to ensure that your case goes as smoothly as possible and that you reach a final outcome that you can at least live with. The manner in which the final decisions are made could come about in one of two ways.

If you and your soon-to-be ex can get along civilly enough to make decisions together, you may have the ability to come to terms on many important divorce-related matters before even heading to court. However, it is important to keep in mind that a judge would have to approve any choices you make. Of course, if you do not have the ability to compromise and negotiate terms, the court may have to make the final decisions.

Settlement or decree?

When it comes to the final terms of your divorce, you could end with a divorce settlement or a divorce decree. These documents are similar but not exactly the same. If you and your spouse can work together to come to terms and the court approves those terms, you have reached a divorce settlement, and the court will then issue a divorce decree that makes the terms legally binding and essentially brings your marriage to an end.

If you and your ex cannot come to terms on your own, it is likely that no divorce settlement will exist. Instead, the court will decide on terms and issue the final divorce decree. A final decree will include the following information:

  • Child custody terms
  • Child support terms
  • Alimony terms
  • Property distribution terms
  • Miscellaneous agreement terms

Of course, if you have a considerable amount of wealth or valuable assets to consider, reaching these terms on your own may not be easy. As a result, even if you want as amicable a divorce as possible, you should not disregard the idea of enlisting outside help to reach your divorce settlement or to argue for certain outcomes if the court must come to the final decisions.

Protecting your interests

It is also important to keep in mind that you do not want to jeopardize your interests for the sake of quickly getting through your case. If you do not take the time to properly address valuable assets or to consider your personal well-being, you could agree to settlement terms that do not prove favorable for the future. 

Fortunately, you can discuss your case and any concerns you may have with an experienced attorney who can help you every step of the way whether you hope to come to an out-of-court settlement or anticipate the need for only a court decree.

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