Divorce Is About Choices

Divorce Is About Choices: Time, Cost, Outcome, and Avoiding Court—Which Matters Most?

Divorce and other family law matters aren’t just legal processes—they are series of decisions. And one of the biggest realities people face is that they can’t always have everything exactly how they want.

At Freed Marcroft, we believe in being candid with our clients from the start. That means we don’t just tell you how a court is likely to view something; we also share insights about some of your choices along the way. One of the hardest parts of divorce isn’t just making decisions—it’s realizing that, at some point, you’ll need to make trade-offs between your priorities. We don’t want you to be caught off guard when that moment comes. Instead, we want to help you anticipate these choices so you can make them strategically, rather than reactively.

When we talk to clients, they often share  they want their divorce to be:

• As quick as possible
• As cost-effective as possible
• As favorable an outcome as possible
• Resolved with minimal court involvement

That makes sense, right?  Who wouldn’t want all of those things?

The challenge? These priorities don’t always align.

At some point, you may need to choose which one matters most to you.  In other words, after you identify your goals, there’s another step: you have to prioritize them.

The Reality of Trade-Offs in Divorce

Many people hope to find a divorce process that is fast, inexpensive, fair, and also minimizes the unpredictability, lack of control, and potential delays of court. Sometimes, that’s possible. But more often than not, decisions become complex, forcing you to weigh time, cost, outcome, and the desire to avoid court against each other.

Here’s how that can play out in practice:

1. If You Want Your Divorce to Move Quickly…

Prioritizing speed means making decisions efficiently, compromising where needed, and keeping negotiations focused.  The trade-off?  Rushing may mean giving up some of what you want in favor of getting it over with.

• Key question: Are you willing to accept a less-than-ideal settlement to move on sooner?
  

Read: How Long Does a Divorce Take in Connecticut?

2. If You Want to Keep Legal Fees Low…

A cost-conscious divorce means avoiding unnecessary disputes and streamlining legal fees. But, minimizing your investment in legal fees can sometimes mean less legal strategy, less time for negotiation, or fewer options if things get complicated.   Consider not just the legal fees themselves but the total value of your case’s financial aspects. Legal fees are one piece of the financial puzzle along with, for example, property division, alimony, and child support.

• Key question: Will saving money upfront leave you in a weaker financial position in the long run?

Read: How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

3. If You Want the Best Possible Outcome…

Focusing on outcome means ensuring your financial or custody terms set you up for success.  This may require a longer, more in-depth process and a willingness to go to court.

• Key question: Are you prepared for a longer divorce with a greater investment in legal fees if it increases your likelihood of securing what’s most important for your future?

Read: Control & Divorce

4. If You Want to Stay Out of Court…

Avoiding court usually means a negotiated settlement in a litigated divorce, or a divorce mediation or collaborative divorce. But suppose your spouse refuses to negotiate, cooperate, or hides assets. In that case, you might have to choose between staying out of court and resolving your divorce in a way that aligns with your goals for the future.

• Key question: If negotiations break down, would you rather go to court or compromise more than you’d like?

Read: Settlement & Divorce

The Key: Making Intentional Choices

You don’t have to decide all of this right away. But understanding these trade-offs from the start helps you stay in control of your divorce, rather than reacting to surprises along the way.

At Freed Marcroft, we help you make intentional choices. Maybe avoiding court is your top priority, and you’re willing to compromise on some details of the parenting schedule or finances to make that happen. Or maybe setting up a successful financial future is most important, even if it takes longer or costs more to get there.

The most important thing?

Having candid insights, information, and advice from a legal team that supports your priorities—and helps you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Read: When Reality Doesn’t Match Up With Your Vision

Divorce Is About Your Future

The decisions you make now will shape your next chapter. That’s why we don’t just focus on getting you divorced—we focus on getting you divorced well.

If you’re thinking about divorce and want to understand your options, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about your priorities and create a strategy that works for you.