A few dollars versus your principles

At what cost should you resolve your case? When does the dollar amount conflict with your principles and the emotional toll of your divorce?

It is a difficult decision whether or not to litigate or accept an offer that (from your perspective) is too low (but is probably not low from the perspective of your spouse). Is an additional $100,000.00 over a projected 15-year span worth the emotional strain, expense and time it takes to litigate your case (and added time to make an appeal).

Even if everything you present at your trial goes just how you and your attorney planned, you may not get the result you want. (Then again, you may get a great result.) The question you must be prepared to answer is what dollar amount makes it reasonable to litigate when your case cannot be resolved due to disagreement over amount.

To answer this question, you must weigh your life principles and the cost of the emotional toll of litigation. There is nothing fun or entertaining when it comes to being in a courtroom where your entire life and marriage is under a microscope. I can assure you there is no perfect person and unfortunately a lot of divorce issues focus on the negative aspects of individuals, not the positive.

The decision to litigate is easier if the issue is one involving your child, as your gut will always answer the question for you.

It is not possible to know at all times what is in the best interest of your child. Circumstances change. Life is short and long at the same time, so do not be afraid to trade a dollar or two for your emotional well being and overall life principles.