Abbeville Divorce Settlement Conference Lawyer

Divorce Settlement Conference Attorney in Abbeville, LA

Divorce can be complicated, no matter where you live in Louisiana. In Abbeville, whether you live off East Martin Luther King Jr. Drive or own property by the Louisiana Military Museum, a divorce can be both expensive and time-consuming. However, with the legal guidance of an experienced Abbeville divorce settlement conference lawyer, you may be able to avoid a costly and lengthy courtroom trial. The skilled team at Laura L. Davenport, LLC, is dedicated to guiding you through divorce with confidence.

Laura L. Davenport, LLC: Helping You During Divorce

A divorce does not always mean a messy court battle. While these situations do occur, Laura L. Davenport, LLC, is passionate about helping individuals seek divorce in a more amicable, peaceable, and cost-effective manner. For years, she has been helping folks across several parishes seek the outcome they desire in a divorce. Parents also benefit from understanding how Louisiana’s Bergeron standard can affect later custody modifications, so today’s agreement is built with tomorrow in mind.

Laura L. Davenport, LLC, is here to ensure you win through skilled, peaceable, and firm negotiation. Connect with our office when you need reliable help.

Understanding Divorce Settlement Conferences in Abbeville, Louisiana

Though the overall divorce rate of Louisiana has seen a decline in recent years, with a rate around 0.7 cases per 1,000 residents, divorce can happen to anybody. When most people hear the word “divorce,” they picture ugly, drawn-out courtroom battles, with two spouses arguing over child custody, child support, property division, or spousal support in front of a judge.

While many divorce cases are processed this way, there is a less expensive and less time-consuming method that can help you and your spouse reach a divorce resolution through amicable means. A divorce settlement conference occurs when the parties work to resolve their issues through facilitated negotiations. Your lawyer, a judge, and a mediator typically assist you and your spouse with reaching a beneficial outcome.

Advantages of an Abbeville Divorce Settlement Conference

There are several advantages to seeking a divorce in Abbeville through a settlement conference. These advantages include:

• Less expensive than court. In Louisiana, the average cost for a divorce is around $6,705. However, when the couple cannot reach an agreement on the issues involved in their divorce–like property division or child support–the lengthy legal battles needed to resolve these issues can cost tens of thousands in court fees, not to mention your attorney fees. Seeking a settlement conference can help save money.
• Resolve your case through private means. When your divorce case proceeds to court litigation, the official court proceedings become public, and all information regarding your case is accessible to the public. In a divorce settlement conference, on the other hand, you and your spouse have the ability to resolve your issues in confidence, and anything discussed cannot be used against you as evidence in a future case.
• Have control over family decisions. One of the largest benefits of a divorce settlement conference in Abbeville is that it gives you control over the ways that various family issues are handled. You know your situation better than anyone, and a settlement can ensure you are the master of your future, rather than placing that future into the hands of a family court judge who does not know you personally. Don’t wait for a judge’s ruling to determine some of the most personal, important aspects of your life.

If you believe that a divorce settlement conference is the right option for you, contact Laura L. Davenport, LLC. We are here to help ensure you are given all the tools and legal knowledge necessary to make your own decisions regarding your family’s future.

How to Prepare for Your Divorce Settlement Conference in Abbeville

Over the last 10 years, the state of Louisiana has seen a 22.73% drop in divorce cases. However, when you feel like divorce is the only option, you may have options outside of a traditional courtroom. If you and your spouse have decided that handling your divorce through a settlement conference is the correct option, there are several steps you typically need to take.

First, speaking with a family law attorney as soon as possible is vital. Before you even decide on a settlement conference, speaking with an attorney can ensure that you are making the right decision for you and your loved ones. Your divorce strategy should align with your interests, and Laura L. Davenport, LLC, can help determine if a settlement conference is right for you.

Next, you should start preparing all of your financial statements and necessary legal documents. Settlement conferences include a discovery phase, where you and your spouse disclose personal and financial information to ensure issues like child support or alimony are resolved in a fair manner. If questions arise about arrears, it helps to know how to respond when an ex claims you owe child support so concerns can be addressed promptly and accurately.

Finally, sit down with your Abbeville attorney and come up with a list of your preferred outcomes for all issues in your divorce. This step can help ensure that your mediator follows a structured plan during negotiations and help you establish your goals for the settlement conference. Creating this list can also help you voice your needs and desires.

While the final resolution of your divorce settlement conference might not reflect every single detail of your desired outcome, it can help you reach a resolution in a cost-effective and timely manner while also mitigating the stress that often accompanies a courtroom battle.

Reach out to a trusted Louisiana family law attorney who can help determine if a settlement conference is right for you.

Hire a Divorce Settlement Lawyer Today by Calling Laura L. Davenport, LLC

There are many ways to navigate a divorce, and the legal process does not always have to be messy or ugly. Settling your divorce through a settlement conference can help ensure that your interests are protected and that the stress and cost of a complicated legal battle are avoided. If you are considering a divorce settlement conference in Abbeville, Laura L. Davenport, LLC, is here to help. Contact our offices today to hire an experienced divorce settlement conference lawyer.