When many Minnesota couples first decide they want a divorce, they may attempt to keep the proceedings stress-free and out of the courtroom. However, there are cases where a settlement cannot be reached in mediation or through other methods that do not involve litigation. If the case ends up going before a judge, being prepared is important in order to end up with a good outcome.
One of the most important things is to learn the rules of the court. There are certain steps and procedures that both parties must follow. Failing to do so can cause the divorce proceedings to drag on, costing money that may be better used after the divorce is finalized. Following the right track, which depends on the contested issues, will also prevent further problems from popping up in the future. It is also important to understand that keeping emotion out of the courtroom is of the utmost importance.
Having an attorney who is seasoned and trustworthy will also help reach an acceptable settlement. The attorney can assist with the trial procedures while advocating for the client. It is important that the attorney will handle the case without using aggressive tactics as this can turn off the judge.
The end of a marriage can be very difficult, especially in the case of a contested divorce. However, there are alternatives to litigation. In some cases, the couple may have their respective family law attorneys negotiate a comprehensive settlement agreement which covers the applicable divorce legal issues and which can then be submitted to the court for its approval.