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Most divorces are not legally complicated, but there are two things in many divorce documents that complicate the process for clients and increase conflict … and that’s language. Language that’s difficult to understand or language that’s too vague to provide post-decree guidance. This week we're talking about how to help clients ditch the legalese and loose language in an effort to reduce conflict.

Have you ever seen a divorce settlement agreement that’s so full of latin words, statute reference numbers, long sentences, and outdated old english that you feel like you need a law degree to understand what it says? Yep, that’s legalese. And while lawyers seem to love it, the rest of us find it confusing, intimidating, and impossible to comprehend.

And then there's language that's so vague and open ended that it leaves the door open for future conflict. When details about who, when, where and how are omitted, we can run into post-decree compliance arguments. If the agreement simply says that parents have joint legal decision making, what happens if they can't come to agreement? There is so much opportunity to discuss options now that can prevent conflict later.

As divorce coaches, we can help clients feel confident their agreements aren’t filled with confusing legalese they don’t understand or loose language that could lead to future conflict. Of course, we need to be cautious that we aren’t participating in UPL, but we can work with clients to:

• Advocate for clear and complete language
• Review parts of their agreement that are unclear
• Explore needs, fears, what if's, and goals
• Document questions for the mediator/attorney
• Detail what they would like the agreement to say

When we empower our clients to advocate for clear, concise, and detailed language in their agreements, we set them up for success.


Learn more about DCA™ or  any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below:

Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/divorcecoachesacademy
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/divorce-coaches-academy
Email: [email protected]

Learn more about DCA® or any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below:

Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.com
Instagram: @divorcecoachesacademy
LinkedIn: divorce-coaches-academy
Email: [email protected]