Some MLCers find lawyers that will drag out the divorce. They seeks ones who encourage conflict and keep charging up those billable hours. If your MLCer has found a good lawyer, be thankful.
It sounds like H has a L who is reasonable like your’s. This is good on many fronts. Things won’t drag out needlessly, negotiating is possible and likely, both lawyers know and realize the business situation (the salary disparity and the resultant alimony), and the deal will be accepted by the courts.
In my locale, and probably your’s, the divorce agreement has to be reviewed and ruled as acceptable by the courts. Straightforward lawyers will produce a clear agreement. The law needs to be satisfied that each party had ample and fair representation.
When my lawyer first told me of W’s lawyer and how he was a sharp and good lawyer, I was so worried. However, my L explained that W needs proper guidance and representation. If she doesn’t get proper representation the courts could toss out any agreement and impose their own. Our settlement was arrived at fairly, was properly and clearly documented, and had several other supporting documentation. It passed through the courts and was judged legally binding without any incident.
Divorce, treat it like a business deal gone sideways. Lawyers do this stuff everyday. The fact the your lawyer has worked with H’s on 100’s of cases is good. They know each other, are experienced, and have “worked with” instead of battled or fought with. This legal wisdom is why you hired an lawyer.
As things progress and when the time comes: Consider your lawyer’s advice. Read over the agreement several times. Take a day or two to mull it over. Ask your L any questions you have. And sign once you are satisfied with the agreement. That is financially satisfied, not emotionally. Remember to stay businesslike dealing with the divorce.
Take care,
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
