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When a couple decide to divorce, it’s vitally important that the assets they have jointly accumulated as a couple are distributed amongst them in such a way as to ensure that both parties are left with the resources they require to begin their new lives. Often, however, it is the need to agree an equitable and reasonable division of these assets that – along with childcare arrangements – is most likely to result in the type of disagreement that can prolong proceedings – possibly for several years. Sometimes, these disputes are completely justified; the negotiations in question revolving around large assets to which both parties have a reasonable claim. At other times, negotiations become protracted – and vast sums of money are wasted – because one or even both parties cannot agree something trivial. With this in mind, we thought we’d help people doing their own divorces to, we hope, successfully negotiate agreements that will help them to achieve financial stability post-divorce. We believe the key to doing this lies in ensuring that you pay close attention to the following three assets: Property The family home is likely to be the most valuable asset owned by a couple and it’s absolutely essential that both receive a reasonable portion of its value within any divorce settlement as a result. Often, one party will remain in the matrimonial home whilst the other is ‘bought out’. Such arrangements are perfectly fine provided the fee paid to the leaving party both reflects the properties true value and, if this fee is not to be issued in a lump sum, that the initial payment is enough to pay for a deposit on a new home. If the couple are lucky enough to own more than own more than one property, it can be easier to simply divide their portfolio provided doing so results in both parties being left with collections of properties that are of roughly equal monetary value. Pensions The money that one or both parties have saved for their retirements is another vital asset and, ultimately, both party’s respective ‘pots’ should be comparable following negotiations having concluded. In some instances, both parties will have similar provisions but, more often than not, there is some if not considerable discrepancy. In such instances, should this discrepancy remain, one party will be significantly prejudiced following their retirement so it’s essential that any settlement addresses this. Savings Like pensions, the savings that a couple have accrued throughout the course of their marriage should, ideally, be distributed evenly if possible in order to place both spouses on the right financial path following their marriage having legally ended. The Caveat Whilst an entirely equal division of assets would, to most of us, seem like a fair deal, it’s important to remember that the main reason you’re negotiating a settlement is to meet your needs, not necessarily to ensure that you get your hands on your fair share of your joint assets. So, if possible, compromise. It may be hard to swallow but prolonged negotiations could actually bring about a situation where the majority of your joint assets are wasted on legal fees. In other words, during negotiations stay focused on what you’ll need, not what you deserve. If you’ve reached an agreement and are looking to keep the costs of your divorce down, you can get a divorce and make your agreement legally binding with a Clean Break Divorce from Quickie Divorce.