Though exceptions can be made for mistakes-mostly clerical errors-in divorce decrees, once the court makes its decision about how to divvy the property, changing the settlement is not a trivial matter. It is important to get it right the first time.
The information on this website represents the very beginning of the rules and definitions regarding division of marital property. Complicated as divorce settlements are, the list of disclaimers to this material is as long as your arm and begins with the following: 1) Laws vary state-to-state; 2) For specific regulations where you live, consult a qualified attorney. In fact, common sense suggests that since you will be living with the provisions of a divorce for a long time, you would be foolish NOT to get the best lawyer you can afford, especially if your spouse has an attorney; 3) Whatever strategies you and your spouse devise, it is extremely important that you fully understand their ramifications before the divorce papers are finalized. Mishandling the financial matters and bad planning can lead to disaster-a word that is carefully chosen.
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