You can negotiate the settlement of a family law dispute like you're playing ''Let's Make a Deal'', but that's a bad idea. If you can't get from your ex the information you need to know whether you are making a good deal or a bad deal, the odds are that you're making a bad deal. In family law disputes, people usually need to know each other's incomes, the value of savings and pensions, and the value of property, as well as the amount owing on credit cards, loans and mortgages. If you cannot get this financial information from your ex, you may have no choice but to start a court proceeding.

You may also have no choice but to start a court proceeding if: