Wish lists enable you to see which issues in the divorce will be easy to resolve, while narrowing down items that may be in dispute. For example, maybe both of you are in general agreement about custody, but have disagreements over certain assets. Now you know where to focus your energy.
Understanding what your spouse wants can also help you identify possible bargaining chips. If your spouse wants the vacation home but you want a greater percentage of the stock portfolio, and don’t really care about having a second home, it paves the way for quickly negotiating an outcome you will both find acceptable.
Be smart and use common sense when brainstorming your divorce goals. Your wish list should be reasonable and equitable to help the both of you work toward a financial settlement. Your spouse’s wish list should also fit this criteria. It’s a good idea to share your goals with your attorney first to get feedback and refine it accordingly.
Bari Zell Weinberger is the owner and managing partner of Weinberger Law Group in New Jersey. She is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney.
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