Divorce Is Hard for Everyone
If you and your spouse have decided to divorce, you probably have many questions about the process. Knowing what to do and how to behave throughout the process can be challenging. Emotions are running high, and when things get contentious, keeping your cool can feel impossible. You are not alone in this. Divorce is difficult for everyone. The biggest mistake people make when going through a divorce is not seeking legal representation right away.
Whether you are the one filing for divorce (the petitioner) or you were served with divorce papers (the respondent), your attorney is your most valuable resource. While some people may put off hiring a lawyer, the sooner you secure legal representation, the better. Even if you are only in the early stages of considering a divorce, you should consult with an attorney.
Keep reading to learn about more common mistakes to avoid when going through a divorce.
Don’t Try to Hide Money or Assets
As part of the divorce process, you and your spouse will need to go through property and debt division. This is one of the hardest parts of divorcing, and tempers can flare. Sometimes someone may not want their former spouse to access funds they see as theirs alone and are tempted to hide those funds. However, hiding assets during a divorce is illegal, and the courts can penalize you. You may be held in contempt of court, and you may face perjury charges.
If you suspect your former partner is hiding money or assets, speak with your attorney right away. This is a serious offense.
Don’t Contest Matters You Don’t Care About
When it comes to divorce, you must choose your battles carefully. As you go through property and asset division, it can feel like your whole life is under a microscope. Additionally, when things get contentious, it can be easy to get caught up in a fight over things that don’t truly matter to you. Some people are also tempted to punish the other person by fighting to gain control or possession of things they know the other person cares about. This is a waste of your energy and your time. Try to look at the bigger picture, and with the help of your lawyer, focus on the issues that genuinely matter to you.
Don’t Badmouth Your Ex on Social Media
When your former partner does something that upsets you, it can be tempting to vent on social media. It is understandable that you want to tell your side of the story. However, you want to avoid doing this. When you share something on social media, it becomes permanent. Even if you delete a post, there can be ways to retrieve it. Additionally, even if your account is private, what you post is essentially public. Once you have posted something, you lose control of it, and it can be saved and shared by others without your knowledge. You may also be surprised to learn that social media can be used as evidence in divorce cases.
Don’t Compare Your Divorce to Others
Every divorce is different. It can be difficult not to compare your situation with a friend or relatives, but you want to resist this urge. Each family has its own dynamic and its own problems to work out. What worked for your friend may not work for you and your family. Additionally, do not worry about what others will think when it comes to your divorce. What matters is that you are doing what is right for you and your family.
Going through a difficult divorce can feel isolating. However, you do not have to go through it alone. You deserve support from dedicated legal counsel. To find out how an experienced lawyer can help you, reach out to our law firm today.