Putting Your Best Interests First in a Divorce

Getting a divorce is never easy, but many people believe if they go along with what their soon-to-be-ex-spouse wants, the divorce will go smoothly and be over faster than if they put up any resistance. While compromise is certainly worthy of consideration, it’s time to put your own best interests first if you’re getting a divorce. Here’s how.
What Is In Your Kids’ Best Interest Is In Your Best Interest
Remember that if you have children, their best interests should always come first. Now, this may sound counter-intuitive to what was just said about putting yourself first; however, if you’re a parent, you know that whatever is in the best interests of your children is in your own best interests. Consider what you can do in the divorce to make the lives of your children easier.
Do you need to fight for sole custody to keep them at their school? Make the needs of your children your own needs and don’t be afraid to say no to a compromise that is not best for them. If it’s not best for them, it’s not best for you.
Don’t Back Down on Property Division
If you and your spouse share a great deal of assets, it’s likely that you’ll have some disagreements about how property should be divided. Don’t agree to take less than what is your fair share in an effort to gain approval or forgiveness from your ex or to try to make the divorce proceed more quickly. Instead, let your attorney help you determine what a fair property division agreement would look like and don’t compromise for anything but what is fair and equitable.
Will You Need Alimony?
If you will have substantial difficulty living independently once you and your spouse separate, or if you need additional training in order to obtain gainful employment to become self sustaining, don’t be afraid to petition for alimony. You may be eligible to receive spousal support for a short period of time while you transition into living independently after your divorce. There’s nothing wrong with seeking alimony to help you along your journey to standing on your own two feet — after all, it doesn’t happen overnight.
At Chang Mattern, LLP, our divorce lawyers understand how difficult it can be to put your own needs before the needs of your spouse in a divorce. That’s why we’re always looking out for your best interests. Contact our office today to discuss your divorce at (626) 792-5888.








