Reasons to Consider a Divorce Settlement Over a Trial

 Posted on September 25, 2025 in Divorce

If you are looking at a divorce in your near future, you and your spouse will have some choices to make. Naturally, you might not agree on all of the terms of your divorce, especially for important issues like property division or child custody. But if you are willing to work together to resolve your issues, you may find that a divorce settlement is preferable to litigation.

At Roberts PC, we will work with you to reach a divorce settlement that serves your best interests. Our team of divorce attorneys will stay in constant communication with you throughout your case, as we understand the importance of remaining available to our clients.

Three Advantages of Settling Your Divorce

For a majority of couples, a divorce settlement is ideal. If litigation is necessary, however, our firm can provide you with aggressive representation in a trial. Otherwise, we will pursue the most efficient resolution to your case.

Preserving Family Relationships

Many divorces end without any bad blood between the spouses. In these cases, an amicable settlement makes much more sense than a heated trial. This can be especially beneficial if the spouses have some reason to remain in contact, as is the case for co-parents. Similarly, if two spouses share a business, it may be best to work out a mutually agreeable settlement to continue working together in a professional capacity.

Aside from your relationship with your spouse, you may have forged close bonds with your in-laws or other people in your spouse’s circle. With that in mind, pursuing a settlement can make things less difficult for all parties.

Saving Time

Divorces can take a long time to resolve. It is natural to feel trapped or anxious when there is seemingly no end in sight for the legal proceedings. Going to trial can prolong this already lengthy process, as you may reach an impasse in court while you await the judge’s decision. Furthermore, a litigated divorce will likely require multiple courtroom hearings, which can be difficult to schedule.

Pursuing a settlement through negotiation or mediation is a much more informal process, potentially allowing you to save a lot of time. When you take this route, you can dictate the pace of your divorce on your own, rather than waiting for a final ruling.

Preserving Your Assets

In general, divorce trials tend to be much more expensive than agreeing to a settlement. The legal fees can add up quickly, potentially amounting to thousands of dollars lost.

If you are considering litigation over asset division, be sure to weigh your options carefully. In Illinois, the courts will divide up your assets fairly, without regard for marital misconduct (750 ILCS 5/503). This means that you are unlikely to be awarded a lopsided share of marital property, as the judge will consider your spouse’s financial situation as well. In a divorce settlement, you may have greater input over how your assets should be divided, without the excessive fees of a trial.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Divorce Lawyer

A carefully negotiated divorce settlement can put you in a good position at the end of your marriage. At Roberts PC, our Winfield, IL family law attorneys can help you plan for an optimal resolution. To schedule a free consultation today, call our offices at 630-668-4211.