9+ Legal Separation vs Divorce Benefits: Defined


9+ Legal Separation vs Divorce Benefits: Defined

A proper settlement the place a married couple lives aside whereas remaining legally married gives distinct benefits in comparison with dissolving the wedding fully. This association permits events to handle points like property division, little one custody, and assist, below courtroom supervision, with out terminating the marital bond. A scenario the place a pair, for non secular causes, opposes divorce however wants to ascertain monetary independence and residing preparations illustrates such a case.

The potential upsides embody sustaining sure advantages, comparable to medical health insurance protection, that is likely to be misplaced in a divorce. Moreover, it supplies a interval of reflection and potential reconciliation, and avoids the social stigma that is likely to be related to divorce in some communities. Traditionally, this course of has served as a center floor for {couples} unsure about completely ending their marriage or needing time to resolve advanced monetary issues.

The next sections will delve into particular areas the place this association presents distinctive concerns concerning monetary implications, impacts on kids, and potential pathways to reconciliation, differentiating it from the finality of a divorce decree.

1. Continued medical health insurance.

Sustaining medical health insurance protection is a major factor when evaluating the potential benefits of authorized separation versus divorce. This facet turns into notably related when one partner depends on the opposite’s employer-sponsored well being plan.

  • Protection Retention

    Authorized separation can permit a partner to stay coated below the opposite’s medical health insurance coverage, a profit usually misplaced upon divorce. That is contingent upon the particular phrases of the insurance coverage plan and state legal guidelines. It’s essential to overview the insurance coverage coverage to establish whether or not a legally separated partner qualifies as an eligible dependent.

  • Value Financial savings

    Acquiring particular person medical health insurance protection will be significantly costlier than remaining on a partner’s group plan. Authorized separation can supply important value financial savings by avoiding the necessity for a separate insurance coverage coverage, making healthcare extra accessible and inexpensive throughout a interval of transition.

  • Pre-existing Situations

    For people with pre-existing well being circumstances, sustaining steady protection is important. A lapse in protection attributable to divorce may doubtlessly have an effect on entry to needed remedies or enhance insurance coverage premiums when securing a brand new coverage. Authorized separation avoids this hole in protection, making certain uninterrupted medical care.

  • Negotiating Leverage

    The flexibility to keep up medical health insurance protection by way of authorized separation can present negotiating leverage throughout separation proceedings. It permits the dependent partner some safety. Nonetheless, each events should seek the advice of with authorized and monetary advisors to completely perceive all implications and develop a technique that meets each particular person and household wants.

In conclusion, retaining medical health insurance throughout authorized separation supplies monetary stability and constant entry to healthcare. This generally is a deciding issue for these prioritizing uninterrupted medical protection whereas navigating the complexities of marital dissolution.

2. Potential for reconciliation.

The choice for potential reconciliation represents a major consideration when weighing the benefits of formal separation towards full marital dissolution. This facet acknowledges the likelihood that the couple could, after a interval of separation, select to reunite and rebuild their relationship. The authorized construction of separation permits for this chance in methods a divorce doesn’t.

  • Emotional Distance and Readability

    A authorized separation supplies a structured setting for emotional distancing. This separation permits each events to realize readability concerning their particular person wants and needs, unbiased of the marital dynamic. The bodily distance can scale back day by day conflicts and allow a extra goal analysis of the connection’s strengths and weaknesses. For instance, a pair caught in a cycle of fixed arguments could discover that point aside reveals a deeper underlying connection and a want to work by way of their points.

  • Therapeutic Intervention

    The interval of separation can be utilized productively to have interaction in particular person or {couples} remedy. Therapists can facilitate communication, handle unresolved points, and assist the events develop more healthy patterns of interplay. Authorized separation, by its nature, acknowledges the potential for reconciliation, which might encourage a extra open and collaborative strategy to remedy. In distinction, the finality of divorce could discourage such therapeutic efforts.

  • Authorized Framework for Reunion

    The authorized framework of separation facilitates a smoother transition again to marital life ought to each events select to reconcile. The present separation settlement, which addresses property division, little one custody, and assist, will be simply dissolved or modified. This eliminates the necessity to re-negotiate these phrases, as could be needed after a divorce. This pre-existing framework supplies a way of safety and stability because the couple re-establishes their relationship.

  • Lowered Social and Familial Strain

    In contrast to divorce, authorized separation carries a lesser diploma of social stigma and familial strain. This lowered strain can create a extra supportive setting for the couple to discover the potential for reconciliation with out exterior judgement. Members of the family could also be extra inclined to supply help and encouragement, fostering a optimistic ambiance for rebuilding the connection. Conversely, the finality of divorce can solidify destructive perceptions and scale back the chance of familial assist.

In summation, the potential for reconciliation distinguishes authorized separation from divorce. This potential needs to be evaluated in gentle of the {couples} particular circumstances and needs, making it a vital issue within the decision-making course of. The formal construction supplies an avenue to handle present points whereas sustaining an openness to a future reunion, a profit absent in a definitive dissolution of marriage.

3. Non secular concerns honored.

The lodging of spiritual beliefs represents an important benefit when evaluating the appropriateness of formal separation versus the finality of divorce. For people whose non secular doctrines discourage or prohibit divorce, authorized separation gives a method to handle marital difficulties with out violating deeply held non secular convictions.

  • Adherence to Non secular Doctrine

    Sure non secular faiths strictly forbid or strongly discourage divorce, viewing marriage as a lifelong covenant. Authorized separation permits {couples} inside these faiths to navigate marital challenges whereas remaining throughout the bounds of their non secular teachings. By sustaining the authorized marriage, the events keep away from potential non secular penalties or excommunication that may accompany divorce.

  • Group Standing

    In many spiritual communities, divorce carries a major social stigma. A legally separated couple could keep the next standing inside their non secular group in comparison with those that have divorced. This may be particularly essential for people who depend on their non secular group for social assist, non secular steering, and a way of belonging. Authorized separation, due to this fact, preserves relationships throughout the non secular community.

  • Reconciliation Prospects

    Some religions emphasize reconciliation and forgiveness as core tenets. Authorized separation supplies a framework for {couples} to handle marital issues and doubtlessly reconcile with out the irreversible step of divorce. The interval of separation can be utilized for reflection, counseling, and non secular development, facilitating a path towards reconciliation that aligns with non secular values.

  • Ethical and Moral Alignment

    For people guided by robust ethical or moral beliefs rooted in faith, authorized separation aligns with the precept of preserving the sanctity of marriage. Selecting separation over divorce displays a dedication to upholding non secular values and sustaining ethical integrity. This determination can present a way of peace and private achievement, realizing that the person is appearing in accordance with their deeply held beliefs.

In conclusion, the honoring of spiritual concerns by way of authorized separation presents a compelling profit for people searching for to reconcile their marital difficulties with their non secular convictions. The association gives a path that respects non secular doctrines, preserves group standing, encourages reconciliation, and aligns with ethical and moral ideas. The events should seek the advice of with non secular leaders, authorized advisors, and therapists to find out the very best plan of action that aligns with their particular person and familial circumstances, and to make sure that the authorized and non secular points are appropriately addressed.

4. Monetary interdependence maintained.

The continuation of monetary interdependence represents a particular attribute in authorized separation when juxtaposed with divorce, influencing the array of potential benefits. Sustaining monetary ties can mitigate abrupt financial disruptions for each events in the course of the separation interval. This interconnection turns into notably related when one partner has been financially depending on the opposite, facilitating a extra gradual transition towards monetary autonomy. Take into account a situation the place one partner has primarily targeted on childcare all through the wedding; authorized separation permits for continued monetary assist, mitigating the quick have to safe employment and thereby easing the transition interval. Such interdependency is established and controlled by the phrases of the separation settlement, providing a structured strategy to assist and useful resource allocation.

Moreover, preserving parts of monetary interdependence can simplify points comparable to insurance coverage protection and tax obligations. As an illustration, spouses would possibly stay eligible for joint medical health insurance plans or sure tax advantages that might be forfeited upon divorce. The separation settlement particulars the extent to which these advantages are retained and the way monetary duties, comparable to debt compensation, are divided. These preparations decrease potential monetary pressure throughout a interval of serious life transition. Nonetheless, it’s essential that every get together absolutely perceive the implications of continued monetary ties, together with potential liabilities related to the opposite partner’s monetary actions.

In conclusion, preserving monetary interdependence inside a legally separated framework presents each alternatives and challenges. The association can foster stability and facilitate a smoother transition, however calls for cautious consideration of authorized and monetary ramifications for each events concerned. An intensive evaluation of particular person circumstances {and professional} steering are essential to navigate this facet successfully, maximizing the advantages whereas mitigating potential dangers related to sustained monetary interconnectedness in the course of the separation interval. This consideration contributes to a extra knowledgeable understanding of the general advantages related to formal separation as a substitute for outright divorce.

5. Little one custody stability.

Little one custody preparations occupy a central place when contemplating the benefits of authorized separation in comparison with divorce. Sustaining stability for kids during times of familial transition is of paramount significance, and the strategy chosen by mother and father considerably impacts their well-being.

  • Lowered Disruption

    Authorized separation, as distinct from divorce, can decrease the disruption to a toddler’s routine. The formal separation settlement usually establishes a structured parenting plan that dictates residential preparations, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority. This codified construction supplies a level of predictability and reduces the potential for advert hoc adjustments or disputes that may negatively have an effect on a toddler’s sense of safety. A transparent, court-sanctioned settlement is much extra secure than the paradox that may come up throughout casual separation, and even the contentious renegotiations generally seen post-divorce.

  • Co-Parenting Framework

    Authorized separation encourages the event of a co-parenting framework. The settlement mandates clear communication channels and collaborative decision-making concerning the kid’s upbringing, together with schooling, healthcare, and extracurricular actions. This collaborative setting minimizes parental battle and promotes a unified strategy to parenting, benefiting the kid’s emotional and psychological improvement. By legally formalizing parental duties, it compels each events to stick to a structured technique of co-parenting, a stark distinction to the potential for unilateral choices and disagreements usually seen after divorce and not using a robust co-parenting plan.

  • Continuity of Relationships

    Formal separation seeks to keep up continuity in a toddler’s relationships. Past the connection with each mother and father, this encompasses prolonged relations, mates, and group connections. The separation settlement can specify preparations for grandparent visitation or continued participation in actions, preserving the kid’s assist community and minimizing emotions of isolation. Divorces can usually result in fractured familial relationships; a legally structured separation goals to stop this by preserving connections exterior the quick parental unit.

  • Gradual Adjustment

    Authorized separation can facilitate a extra gradual adjustment for kids. The separation interval permits the household to adapt to the brand new residing preparations and co-parenting dynamics earlier than a remaining determination concerning divorce is made. This gradual transition reduces the abruptness of the change and provides kids time to course of their feelings and modify to the brand new actuality at a tempo that’s appropriate for his or her age and developmental stage. The chance for reconciliation additionally means the adjustments in residing preparations could also be much less drastic than in a divorce.

In abstract, the soundness afforded to little one custody preparations by way of authorized separation gives a notable benefit in comparison with the doubtless extra disruptive nature of divorce. By offering a structured co-parenting setting, selling continuity in relationships, and facilitating a gradual adjustment, authorized separation serves to guard kids’s emotional well-being during times of serious household change. The formal separation agreements additionally forestall future battle and misunderstanding about parental duties. Subsequently, in instances the place minimizing the affect on kids is a major concern, the advantages of authorized separation advantage cautious consideration.

6. Property division agreements.

The formulation of property division agreements constitutes a vital factor when evaluating the possible benefits of formal separation versus outright divorce. These agreements delineate the allocation of property and liabilities acquired in the course of the marriage, offering a structured framework for monetary independence throughout separation and doubtlessly within the occasion of a future divorce. The readability and authorized enforceability of those agreements considerably affect the monetary stability and long-term well-being of each events.

  • Readability and Predictability

    A complete property division settlement supplies readability and predictability concerning every get together’s monetary standing. It eliminates ambiguity regarding possession of property, comparable to actual property, investments, and private property, lowering the potential for disputes and litigation. As an illustration, a legally binding settlement specifies who retains possession of the household house and below what circumstances, stopping future disagreements over occupancy or sale. The predictability afforded by the settlement permits each events to make knowledgeable monetary choices and plan for his or her respective futures with larger certainty.

  • Equitable Distribution

    Property division agreements intention to realize an equitable, though not essentially equal, distribution of marital property. Concerns embody the contributions of every partner to the wedding, each monetary and non-financial, and their respective future wants. For instance, a partner who sacrificed profession alternatives to lift kids would possibly obtain a bigger share of the property to compensate for lowered incomes potential. The settlement ensures that each events are pretty compensated for his or her contributions in the course of the marriage and that their long-term monetary wants are appropriately addressed.

  • Tax Implications

    Property division agreements ought to account for the potential tax implications of asset transfers. Sure asset transfers could set off tax liabilities, and the settlement ought to specify how these liabilities will likely be allotted. For instance, transferring possession of a retirement account may need totally different tax penalties than transferring possession of actual property. A rigorously drafted settlement minimizes the tax burden on each events, optimizing the monetary end result of the separation.

  • Safety of Separate Property

    Property division agreements delineate which property are thought-about marital property topic to division and that are thought-about separate property belonging solely to 1 partner. Separate property would possibly embody property acquired earlier than the wedding or acquired as items or inheritances in the course of the marriage. The settlement protects every get together’s separate property from being topic to division, making certain that they keep possession of property which are legally theirs alone. For instance, an inheritance acquired by one partner stays their separate property until it has been commingled with marital property.

In conclusion, property division agreements are integral to the method of authorized separation, offering readability, fairness, and monetary safety for each events. These agreements decrease disputes, defend particular person property, and facilitate a smoother transition to separate monetary lives. The construction additionally allows a smoother transition to a full divorce if reconciliation is inconceivable. Subsequently, a rigorously negotiated and legally sound property division settlement is essential for realizing the complete advantages of authorized separation as a substitute for outright divorce.

7. Debt accountability allocation.

Figuring out debt accountability constitutes a pivotal facet when evaluating the benefits of formal separation in distinction to divorce. The way by which marital money owed are assigned has important implications for the monetary well-being of every get together and their capacity to ascertain unbiased monetary lives. A clearly outlined debt allocation reduces future disputes and supplies a framework for accountable monetary administration.

  • Readability and Enforceability

    A legally sound debt allocation settlement establishes readability concerning which get together is chargeable for particular money owed incurred in the course of the marriage. This eliminates ambiguity and supplies a legally enforceable mechanism for making certain that every get together fulfills their obligations. For instance, if one partner is assigned accountability for a bank card debt, the settlement specifies the account quantity, the quantity owed, and the timeline for compensation, defending the opposite partner from being held answerable for that debt. This enforceable readability supplies a measure of monetary safety.

  • Credit score Rating Safety

    Correct debt allocation safeguards every get together’s credit score rating. When one partner fails to pay a debt assigned to them, it could negatively affect the opposite partner’s credit standing if they’re collectively liable. A well-defined settlement minimizes the danger of 1 get together’s monetary mismanagement affecting the opposite’s creditworthiness, thereby preserving their capacity to acquire loans, mortgages, or different types of credit score. This credit score safety is very important for establishing monetary independence post-separation.

  • Negotiating Leverage

    The allocation of debt can function negotiating leverage throughout separation proceedings. A celebration would possibly conform to assume a bigger share of the debt in change for retaining a particular asset or receiving extra favorable phrases in different areas of the settlement, comparable to little one assist or spousal upkeep. This supplies alternatives for strategic negotiation and might result in outcomes that higher align with every get together’s particular person circumstances and monetary targets.

  • Monetary Planning

    A clearly outlined debt allocation facilitates sound monetary planning for each events. Understanding exactly which money owed they’re chargeable for permits people to create life like budgets, handle their money circulate, and make knowledgeable choices about their monetary future. This predictability is crucial for establishing monetary independence and reaching long-term monetary stability. A well-structured plan allows proactive debt administration.

In conclusion, the structured allocation of debt accountability is a vital benefit of authorized separation. It fosters readability, protects credit score scores, supplies negotiating leverage, and facilitates sound monetary planning. These advantages contribute to a extra equitable and financially safe transition for each events concerned, differentiating formal separation from the uncertainties of informally dividing money owed or the potential for long-term monetary entanglements after divorce. These benefits considerably improve the attractiveness of authorized separation as a technique for resolving marital disputes.

8. Authorized formalities preserved.

Sustaining authorized formalities throughout a separation gives distinct benefits when in comparison with instantly pursuing a divorce, primarily by retaining sure authorized buildings and choices that may in any other case be misplaced. This preservation supplies a structured pathway for each events, impacting numerous points of their lives and choices.

  • Maintained Marital Standing

    Authorized separation retains the marital standing, which will be essential for social safety advantages, tax implications, and inheritance rights, that are usually tied to the continuation of the marital union. As an illustration, a partner could also be eligible to obtain social safety advantages based mostly on their partner’s incomes document, which might be forfeited in a divorce. Retaining the wedding intact preserves the potential for these advantages.

  • Continued Authorized Protections

    Authorized protections inherent within the marriage, comparable to the appropriate to make medical choices for an incapacitated partner or the flexibility to inherit property and not using a will, stay in impact. These protections supply safety in the course of the separation, particularly if unexpected circumstances come up the place one partner requires help or illustration. In a divorce, these automated rights are severed, doubtlessly requiring further authorized steps to regain comparable protections.

  • Facilitation of Reconciliation

    Authorized separation supplies a framework that streamlines reconciliation. As a result of the marital bond isn’t dissolved, reuniting is administratively less complicated than remarrying after a divorce. The separation settlement, which outlines property division and little one custody preparations, will be simply modified or terminated upon reconciliation, avoiding the complexities and prices related to re-establishing a marital union.

  • Entry to Authorized Recourse

    Authorized separation permits each events continued entry to authorized recourse throughout the present marital framework. For instance, a partner can search courtroom intervention to implement the separation settlement or to switch custody preparations if circumstances change. This ongoing entry to authorized mechanisms supplies a security internet and ensures that each events can handle any points that come up in the course of the separation interval with out the necessity to provoke fully new authorized proceedings, as could be needed after a divorce.

The preservation of those authorized formalities reinforces the pliability inherent in selecting authorized separation over divorce. Sustaining authorized buildings supplies ongoing protections, simplifies reconciliation, and ensures continued entry to authorized treatments, positioning it as a strategic possibility for {couples} searching for to navigate marital difficulties whereas conserving future prospects open.

9. Social stigma avoidance.

The potential to keep away from social stigma constitutes a major issue within the analysis of a proper separation versus divorce. In sure communities or familial circles, divorce is topic to appreciable disapproval, leading to social isolation, judgment, or diminished alternatives for the people concerned. Authorized separation, by sustaining the technical authorized standing of marriage, could mitigate these destructive social penalties. For instance, inside a tightly-knit non secular group the place divorce is frowned upon, a pair choosing formal separation would possibly proceed to take part in group actions and keep social connections that might be compromised by a divorce.

The affect of social stigma extends past mere private emotions; it impacts sensible points of life. Take into account skilled settings the place connections and repute are paramount. Divorce, in some situations, can injury skilled standing or restrict entry to sure networks. A proper separation, being much less definitive and doubtlessly seen as a brief association, would possibly permit people to navigate such circumstances with much less social repercussion. Moreover, inside sure cultural contexts, the household unit exerts robust affect, and divorce can result in ostracization from family or restricted entry to grandchildren. Authorized separation, in such situations, can supply a compromise that preserves familial bonds whereas addressing marital challenges.

The perceived avoidance of social stigma by way of authorized separation isn’t with out its complexities. It depends on the group’s understanding and acceptance of the association, which might differ significantly. Furthermore, if the separation is perceived as a mere facade or is accompanied by open battle, the specified social advantages won’t materialize. The sensible significance of this understanding lies within the particular person’s capacity to evaluate their particular social setting and decide whether or not formal separation actually gives a viable different to the potential social ramifications of divorce. The choice have to be knowledgeable by a sensible evaluation of group attitudes and the potential for real acceptance, making certain that the meant advantages of minimizing social stigma are, the truth is, realized.

Continuously Requested Questions

The next addresses widespread inquiries concerning the distinctions and benefits of authorized separation in comparison with divorce. These responses intention to supply readability and facilitate knowledgeable decision-making.

Query 1: What basically differentiates authorized separation from divorce?

Authorized separation entails a court-ordered association whereby a married couple lives aside, with outlined rights and duties, whereas remaining legally married. Divorce, conversely, dissolves the marital bond fully, terminating the authorized relationship.

Query 2: Can medical health insurance be maintained below authorized separation when it might be misplaced in a divorce?

Sure, in lots of situations. A legally separated partner could stay eligible for protection below their partner’s medical health insurance plan, supplied the insurance coverage coverage and related state legal guidelines allow it. Divorce usually terminates eligibility.

Query 3: How does authorized separation facilitate potential reconciliation?

Authorized separation supplies a structured setting for each events to realize readability and handle marital points with out the finality of divorce. It permits for therapeutic intervention and a smoother transition again to marital life ought to reconciliation happen.

Query 4: How does authorized separation accommodate non secular objections to divorce?

Authorized separation permits {couples} whose non secular beliefs prohibit divorce to handle marital difficulties with out violating their non secular convictions. It maintains the authorized marriage, thereby avoiding potential non secular penalties.

Query 5: What are the important thing concerns concerning property division in authorized separation?

A property division settlement in authorized separation delineates the allocation of property and liabilities acquired in the course of the marriage. It supplies readability, predictability, and goals for equitable distribution, whereas accounting for tax implications and defending separate property.

Query 6: How does authorized separation handle little one custody and assist issues?

Authorized separation establishes a proper parenting plan addressing residential preparations, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority. It promotes co-parenting and seeks to keep up continuity within the kid’s relationships, fostering stability throughout a interval of transition.

In abstract, authorized separation gives a versatile different to divorce, accommodating a variety of particular person and household circumstances. It balances addressing quick marital points with the potential for reconciliation and the preservation of particular authorized and social advantages.

The next sections will additional discover particular circumstances below which authorized separation stands out as the extra applicable possibility, whereas others define when a full divorce makes higher sense.

Navigating the Selection

The willpower of whether or not formal separation or dissolution is the extra applicable path necessitates cautious analysis of particular person and familial circumstances. The next factors function vital tips in navigating this pivotal determination.

Tip 1: Consider Non secular and Ethical Beliefs. For people whose non secular or moral convictions strongly oppose divorce, authorized separation presents a viable different. This enables the addressing of marital difficulties whereas adhering to elementary beliefs.

Tip 2: Assess the Potential for Reconciliation. If there’s a affordable prospect of reconciliation, formal separation gives a structured setting for therapeutic intervention and potential reunification, in contrast to the irreversible nature of divorce.

Tip 3: Analyze Well being Insurance coverage Implications. Take into account the potential lack of medical health insurance protection upon divorce. Authorized separation could permit a dependent partner to stay on their associate’s plan, making certain steady entry to healthcare.

Tip 4: Evaluate Monetary Interdependence. Fastidiously assess the diploma of monetary interdependence. Authorized separation permits for the upkeep of sure monetary ties, comparable to joint accounts or tax advantages, offering stability throughout transition. That is an particularly good advantage of authorized separation vs divorce!

Tip 5: Shield Kids’s Stability. Prioritize the well-being of youngsters by choosing the strategy that minimizes disruption to their routines, maintains co-parenting relationships, and facilitates a gradual adjustment to new residing preparations.

Tip 6: Safe Clear Property Division Agreements. Set up a complete property division settlement to delineate the allocation of property and liabilities. This minimizes future disputes and ensures equitable monetary outcomes for each events.

Tip 7: Perceive Group Attitudes. Gauge the potential social ramifications of divorce throughout the particular group or social circles. Authorized separation could mitigate stigma and protect social connections in contexts the place divorce is frowned upon.

The considered software of those tips, in live performance with knowledgeable authorized and monetary recommendation, facilitates a well-informed determination that aligns with particular person wants, familial priorities, and long-term targets.

The next sections will think about particular situations that lend themselves extra favorably to 1 strategy over the opposite, additional enriching the framework for efficient decision-making.

advantages of authorized separation vs divorce

All through this exploration, the potential advantages of formal separation as in comparison with quick dissolution have been outlined. These benefits embody preservation of medical health insurance, alternative for reconciliation, lodging of spiritual beliefs, little one custody stability, and mitigation of social stigma. The knowledgeable analysis of those components, coupled with skilled authorized and monetary counsel, is paramount in figuring out probably the most applicable plan of action.

The choice concerning separation versus divorce represents a major life occasion with long-term implications. Whereas the advantages related to formal separation could also be compelling in particular circumstances, the complexities of every scenario necessitate cautious consideration. It’s incumbent upon people going through marital discord to have interaction in thorough due diligence, searching for steering from certified professionals, to make sure that the chosen path aligns with their distinctive wants and promotes the absolute best outcomes for all events concerned.