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Last Modified on Oct 31, 2025
Divorce can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dividing property and spousal support. Many people want to avoid going to trial because it’s expensive, time-consuming, uncertain, and stressful. A divorce settlement conference may be chosen to resolve these issues. However, knowing how to make settlement conferences work when your spouse won’t cooperate in Lafayette, LA, is essential.
It is crucial to hire a divorce settlement conference lawyer to help during this difficult time. Even if a spouse is being uncooperative, preparation can make a big difference.
Experienced Family Law Firm in Louisiana
With over 18 years of experience in Louisiana law, Attorney Davenport of Laura L. Davenport, LLC is passionate about family law. She has spent her life in Louisiana, helping to protect the legal rights of her neighbors and community during tough times.
When clients come into the office to meet with Ms. Davenport, they will have the opportunity to explain the full details of the case and their desires for the outcome. She confidently guides clients through the steps and works to resolve cases as efficiently and quickly as possible.
How to Prepare for a Divorce Settlement Conference
As of 2023, 8-14% of Lafayette residents were divorced. These proceedings tend to be full of volatile emotions and heartache. When an ex doesn’t want to act maturely during proceedings, it can make it difficult for everyone involved in the case.
If one spouse doesn’t want to cooperate, the other spouse should still try to make the proceedings as smooth as possible.
If negotiations fail and the case needs to proceed to trial, the court may take cooperation into account when making a final decision on divorce matters.
Preparation is key during a divorce settlement. A divorcing person can work alongside a lawyer to:
- Organize finances, such as bank accounts and taxes
- Gather extensive documentation, such as deeds and contributions to the marriage
- Make reasonable proposals. These proposals depend on the specifics of the case.
Drafting Proposals for the Divorce Settlement Conference
For parents, drafting a parenting plan is vital. This plan will outline desires for the child’s main residence, time spent with both parents, holiday plans, who makes decisions about healthcare, education, and religion, and daily tasks like school drop-offs and extracurricular activities.
A detailed and fair property division and spousal support plan can make proceedings more streamlined. While there are things you may want to claim in the divorce, it is beneficial to avoid arguments and keep to cordial negotiations.
As of 2023, the average household income in Lafayette was $61,454. The average home value was $251,300. Higher-valued assets can be stressful to figure out how to divide. Having the guidance of a seasoned divorce settlement attorney can be extremely beneficial.
When a spouse is being uncooperative, it is vital to keep the goal of the settlement conference in mind—achieving a fair divorce settlement for all involved, especially children.
What Happens if a Spouse Won’t Cooperate?
A settlement conference is an ideal method of divorce for most couples, as it helps them maintain control over the outcome of divorce issues. It is also more private compared to a court trial, costs less, and takes less time than litigation in court.
After collecting evidence and drafting proposals, Laura L. Davenport can negotiate on a client’s behalf during the settlement conference in Lafayette, LA, to ensure discussions remain amicable and focused. If a spouse refuses to cooperate, the divorce issues will not be resolved during the settlement conference, and litigation will become necessary to achieve a fair resolution for everyone. When this happens, it takes control away from the couple, leaving a judge to make the final decisions on all matters that cannot be agreed upon during the settlement conference.
FAQs
Can Partial Agreements Be Made During a Divorce Settlement Conference in Lafayette?
In Louisiana, If negotiations stall due to a spouse’s noncooperation, partial agreements can still be made during a divorce settlement conference. Any resolved issues remain legally enforceable, and only the unresolved issues go to trial. Sometimes, reframing proposals can get the discussion moving again. The more organized a person is, the more likely they will be to reach fair terms, even if the other spouse resists cooperation.
What Should a Settlement Agreement Include in Lafayette?
For a settlement to be legally binding, the agreement needs to be clear in verbiage, practical, and legally enforceable. Agreements should explain exactly what each party is responsible for, how debts and property will be divided, and any child custody and support agreements. It is also wise to consider future issues such as taxes, insurance, and children’s expenses. Clear agreements help avoid future disputes.
How Should a Parent Act During the Topic of Child Custody and Support to Ensure a Good Outcome?
During a divorce settlement, it’s important to remain professional when discussing the topic of children. The professionals involved want to see parents willing to cooperate with each other. If it’s seen that a spouse is being uncooperative, but the other spouse remains cooperative, this can work in the favor of the cooperative spouse. All involvement in the child’s life should be presented as evidence. This can include medical care, schooling, extracurriculars, and time spent with the child.
How Can I Get My Spouse to Cooperate?
It can be difficult to work with an uncooperative spouse during a divorce settlement conference. A good way to help change the other spouse’s mind is by drafting reasonable plans for the divorce issues. A clear outline of property division and spousal support may encourage a spouse to be more cooperative. Having a personal lawyer present can ensure rights aren’t being violated at any point during the meeting.
Hire a Divorce Settlement Conference Lawyer That Louisiana Residents Trust
Laura L. Davenport, LLC, is proud to help clients make informed decisions about their future. Contact the office today to schedule a first appointment. Mr. Davenport can transparently explain expectations in client cases and is here to help prepare clients for negotiations during divorce proceedings.
