If you are a middle-aged couple and your marriage has been on the rocks for a while, you might be considering a gray divorce. Among other things, you will need to agree how to divide assets and debts as you go your separate ways. There are some things you need to do while negotiating your gray divorce settlement to have a smooth process.
Take inventory of your assets
Taking inventory of your assets and debts will help you determine what is at stake. This may be the most difficult part of going through a gray divorce because it will force you to confront some truths about what has happened in your marriage over time. This inventory will determine how to negotiate a gray divorce settlement. This inventory will help you avoid those problems later on by allowing you to discuss things now while emotions are still manageable.
Be realistic about your expectations
Be realistic with yourself and your spouse when making decisions. It is important to remember that the goal here is not about winning but coming up with a fair solution. You do not want to be in court for years fighting over everything when you could have come to an agreement earlier on. Make sure you are aware of what your spouse wants and where he or she stands before negotiations begin so both of you are on the same page.
Remain calm
Remain as detached from the situation as possible. It is important to remain cool-headed so you can think clearly about what you are trying to accomplish and how it will impact your future. The more emotional you become, the harder it is going to be for both of you to come up with a fair solution that works best for everyone
Negotiating a gray divorce settlement doesn’t have to be difficult. Make sure you both are on the same page, stay calm and remain realistic about what is important to you and your spouse to increase your chances of coming to an agreement that works for both of you.
