Preparing For Your Four-Way  Meeting

Typically at the beginning of a divorce, a four way meeting will take place. This is a meeting between you and your attorney and your spouse and their attorney. This can be a source of significant stress for many individuals getting a divorce. Here are five tips on how to get through the meeting successfully.

1. Talk to Your Attorney About What to Expect

Before heading into a four way meeting, always discuss what to expect with your divorce lawyer first. You don’t want to head into the meeting blind, not knowing what will be talked about or what the immediate goal is. Ask your attorney what the purpose of the meeting is and decide what you consider a success.

2. Be Prepared to Listen More Than You Talk

Listen to what your ex-spouse has to say, even if you don’t want to. Often, two spouses will say the same thing, but they’re arguing and neither spouse realizes that they’re actually on the same page. Listen more than you talk and make an effort to understand what your spouse is trying to communicate.

3. Make Sure What You Say Will Move You Forward

While it may be tempting to start to hash out differences when you’re in the same room as your ex-spouse, be certain that what you say will move you forward in the conversation and toward your end goal. If it won’t and will simply cause dissension in the group, you may be better off not saying it.

4. Respect Your Ex

Even if you are angry or hurt by your spouse, it’s important that you are professional, curt, and respectful in any meetings you have with them and their attorney.

5. Consider Creative Solutions

During four way meeting There are few cookie-cutter solutions that work for every family. Chances are, you’re going to have to find some creative ways to make things like property division and child custody work for you. Don’t be afraid to offer suggestions of solutions that may seem out-of-the-box — it may very well be a great fit for your unique needs.

At the Law Office of Mary Katherine Brown, we can provide you with the legal support and guidance needed during four way meetings and throughout the entire process of your divorce. Call today at (718) 878-6886 for a consultation to discuss the details and to learn more about what your next step should be.