Whether you initiated it or not, going through a divorce is never easy. The entire process can be quite complicated and can cause you to feel a wide variety of emotions. However, if you let your emotions get the best of you, it is possible to make mistakes that could hurt you. Let's take a look at six common mistakes you should avoid in a divorce.
If you are like many people going through a divorce, you probably have some ill feelings toward your spouse. You might feel anger and resentment, and have the urge to take it out on him or her.
However, you should avoid arguing in front of your kids. The divorce is tough enough already on them. If your kids witness you and your spouse yelling at each other, it may negatively affect how they are handling the divorce. If you are upset with your spouse about an issue, calmly bring it up to him or her when you are both alone.
No matter what, you should never attempt to hide any assets in your divorce. Whether you try to hide a set of dishes or an art collection, it can come back to bite you later. If a judge finds out that you tried to hide an asset, he or she might make you give up your share of the asset or pay more support to your spouse.
It is likely that your financial situation will change quite a bit after your divorce. Without a second income, you will have to rely on just your income to pay rent, utilities and other expenses. It is extremely important to be aware of all the potential financial issues you may face after your divorce. If you fail to do this, you may find yourself in financial trouble.
It may be helpful to talk to a financial adviser about your financial future. He or she can help you create a solid financial plan so that you can take good care of your family after the divorce.
While you can file for divorce on your own, it is not a good idea. To improve your chances of getting a fair settlement and to reduce stress, hire an experienced divorce lawyer to assist you with the process. He or she can provide you with valuable legal advice and help you throughout the whole process.
If you have a divorce lawyer on your side, he or she can also offer objectivity and prevent you from making a decision that could potentially jeopardize your case.
The court may issue several orders during the divorce process. For example, a judge may order you to make child support payments. It is critical to follow these court orders to avoid costly complications in the future.
If you believe a court order is unfair, you have the right to request a hearing and ask for the order to be modified.
If there comes a time when your spouse presents you with an unfair request, do not give in to it. It might be tempting to accept the settlement offer to get things over with quickly, but it is not in your best interest. It is important to stand your ground and not allow your spouse to bully you into accepting a settlement you don't agree with.
If you are going through a divorce, there are many things you can do to make the process go smoother. If you have questions or want additional advice about how to best handle your divorce, contact
Serra & Isopi, P.C.
