When Floyd Mayweather fought Logan Paul in their eight-round exhibition match, many people thought they already knew what would happen.
Obviously, Mayweather would knock Paul out. After all, Mayweather was an undefeated professional boxer with 50 victories. Paul had very little professional boxing experience.
The only question seemed to be: "Which round would the knockout happen in?"
But the fight lasted all eight rounds. There was no knockout.
"How could that be?"
Well, there are probably many explanations. But the result reminds me of something that happens in divorce court all the time.
There Are No Guaranteed Results at Trial
You never truly know how a New Jersey divorce trial will end until the judge makes a decision.
You may believe that the facts are clearly on your side. Your lawyer may think that your position is stronger. The other side may appear completely unreasonable. And you may still receive a decision that neither you nor your lawyer expected.
After 38 years of trying divorce cases in New Jersey, I have learned that even careful preparation does not guarantee a particular result.
Judges are people. They may interpret testimony differently, find one witness more credible than another or view the evidence in a way that no one predicted. I have watched lawyers leave court after a decision, both shaking their heads and wondering:
“How did that just happen?”
It happens because trials are uncertain.
Be Careful With Guarantees
If a lawyer guarantees that they know exactly what a judge will do, be careful. No honest lawyer can promise the result of a divorce trial.
A good lawyer can evaluate your case, explain its strengths and weaknesses, prepare the evidence and give you an informed opinion about possible outcomes.
But an informed opinion is not a guarantee. The final decision belongs to the judge.
Prepare for Trial, but Work Toward a Fair Settlement
The lesson is not that you should accept an unfair settlement simply because trial involves risk. Sometimes going to trial is necessary. You should prepare thoroughly, gather the right evidence and be ready to present the strongest case possible.
At the same time, you should continue looking for a settlement that protects what matters and produces a result both sides can live with.
Settlement gives you some control over the outcome. Trial gives that control to a judge.
The Bottom Line
Many people thought Mayweather knocking out Logan Paul was practically guaranteed. It did not happen.
The same lesson applies to your divorce case. You do not know exactly what a judge will decide.
Your spouse does not know. Your lawyer does not know. And neither does anyone else.
That is why you want a lawyer who will fully prepare your case for trial while fighting like hell to settle it fairly.
If you are facing a New Jersey divorce, my free Divorce Smarter Course can help you understand your options before you make important decisions.
Steve