Don’t Rush Your Divorce Settlement in Montgomery County: What You Could Be Giving Up
When you’re ready to move on from a marriage, it’s tempting to push for a quick resolution. But it can be costly to rush your divorce. Rushing a divorce settlement can cost you money, and once a divorce agreement is finalized, it’s very difficult to change.
Sheryl R. Rentz is a Montgomery County divorce attorney with over 30 years of experience. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we understand how patience and careful preparation can protect your future. Carefully reviewing your situation can pay off bigtime in the long run.
The Risks of Settling Too Quickly
Divorce is a legal and financial process, and it can be very emotional. To help ensure fairness under this system, both spouses need to have a complete picture of their financial situation. If you rush this process, you risk making serious errors that could jeopardize your future.
Overlooking Assets
A frequent mistake people make when rushing through divorce is failure to account for all the assets that you’re entitled to receive. This may include retirement accounts, stock options, deferred compensation, and business interests. Your spouse could be intentionally trying to hide these assets, and if they aren’t identified before settlement, you could be missing out on a lot of money that you are entitled to receive.
Forensic Financial Analysis Takes Time
In a high-assets divorce case, a forensic accountant may be called upon to uncover discrepancies in income reporting, hidden business revenue, or irregular asset transfers. Without this analysis, you could accept a settlement that’s based on incomplete or inaccurate numbers.
Poorly Designed Spousal Support
Spousal support (also called alimony) is designed to allow the spouse who receives these payments to maintain a lifestyle based on the couple’s previous standard of living. There are many factors that must be considered to ensure a viable long-term plan that won’t cause financial hardship.
Equitable Distribution in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania follows the principle of equitable distribution. This means marital property must be divided fairly, but it’s not a 50-50 split like they have in many other states.
Equitable distribution is the result of a deliberate, evidence-based process. If the two spouses and their attorneys are unable to reach an agreement through negotiations, it may become necessary to litigate in court. In these cases, judges consider factors such as:
- Length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and earning potential
- Contributions to marital property, including non-financial contributions like homemaking or childcare
- Age, health, and other personal circumstances
All relevant facts must be on the table. If either spouse withholds information or if you don’t take the time to fully evaluate available assets, you risk living with an unfair settlement.
Errors That Result from a Rushed Divorce
At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we’ve seen divorcing spouses commit costly mistakes that could have been avoided by using a slower, more deliberative approach. For example:
- Undisclosed Retirement Funds: If your spouse has an undisclosed pension plan acquired during the marriage, you won’t be able to claim your share if it’s not discovered until after the divorce is finalized.
- Rushed Business Valuations: When your spouse’s businesses is valued too quickly using outdated financial information, it could costs you a lot of money.
- Inflated Debt Agreements: Taking on your partner’s marital debt without verifying its legitimacy, could cost you a substantial amount of money if it turns out these debts were incurred before the marriage began.
How Strategic Patience Protects Your Future
Taking your time doesn’t mean you’re senselessly dragging your feet; it means you are methodically building your case so you can make informed decisions.
Comprehensive Financial Disclosure
Every marital asset, from real estate to collectibles, should be identified, valued, and documented. This ensures you’re negotiating with facts, not guesses.
Independent Asset Valuation
Rather than relying solely on your spouse’s figures, you’ll want to work with qualified professionals to value businesses, properties, and investment portfolios.
The Importance of Long-Term Planning
Your divorce settlement should take into account your current needs in addition to the agreement’s long-term financial consequences. This includes retirement security, healthcare costs, and possible adjustments of spousal support.
Protecting Your Future
Sheryl R. Rentz knows how to create a financial plan that supports your long-term interests. Our process involves:
- Detailed Asset Investigation – We conduct thorough discovery to ensure nothing is missed.
- Collaboration with Financial Experts – When needed, we work with forensic accountants, business valuators, and tax advisors.
- Tailored Negotiation Strategies – Every client’s goals are different, so we build a strategy around your priorities.
- Trial Readiness – While many cases are settled through negotiations, we prepare every case for trial, strengthening your negotiating position.
How to Respond When You’re Being Pressured to Settle
If your spouse or their attorney is pushing for a quick resolution, here’s how to slow the process down without escalating conflict:
- Ask for Full Documentation – Insist on seeing bank statements, retirement account records, tax returns, and property appraisals before making decisions.
- Avoid Verbal Agreements – Keep all terms in writing and review them with your attorney.
- Resist Ultimatums – Quick deadlines often serve one party’s interests at the expense of the other’s.
- Focus on the Big Picture – A few extra months now can safeguard decades of financial stability.
Resisting the Temptation to Just Get It Over With
Divorce is emotionally exhausting, and the desire to “get it over with” is understandable. But financial decisions made under emotional strain can lead to regret. Your divorce settlement will shape your financial life for years to come.
Strategic patience allows for clear thinking and better choices. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we help clients balance the emotional need for closure with the need for financial security.
Speak With an Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Montgomery County
If you’re going through a difficult divorce in Montgomery County and you’re feeling pressured to settle quickly, it may be time to take a step back and assess your situation.
The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. will work with you to protect your interests, uncover hidden risks, and secure the settlement you deserve.
Call (610) 645-0100 to schedule your free consultation today.
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