5 Common Divorce Mistakes to Avoid
While every divorce includes unique characteristics related to the two people involved, there are a number of mistakes that seem to crop up in many divorces. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at five common divorce mistakes, so you can avoid them in your own proceedings. If you are planning on getting a divorce, take some time to go through this list to prepare yourself and avoid potential speed bumps. Contact a divorce lawyer to get the legal help and advice you need.
The Law Office of Donneshia M. Hall in NYC is here to assist you during some of the most stressful times of your life. Whether you initiated the divorce or are trying to protect your best interests, it’s important to have a divorce lawyer on your side. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation, and get the help you deserve.
1. Using the Court to Get Revenge
There are many situations that can arise during a divorce that might cause you to want to seek revenge. Whether you were surprised with the divorce papers or feel as though your spouse is to blame, you want to be careful to avoid making revenge your priority. While prolonging the case by fighting over assets can feel satisfying at first, you need to focus on the long-term impacts of these actions. Not only are you likely to significantly increase the cost of the divorce, but you’ll also negatively impact your children’s stress levels.
2. Bad Mouthing Your Spouse to Your Children
When you are hurt, the easiest thing to do is to lash out at the one who hurt you or whoever else happens to be nearby. The problem with this is that when you’re going through a divorce, badmouthing your spouse to your children also hurts them. After all, you’re tearing down their other parent. Additionally, not only will you hurt your children, but you could also negatively impact your future custody rights. If you need to vent, make sure to find an adult friend you can trust or a therapist.
3. Lying in Court
You might be surprised that this is listed as a common mistake, after all, doesn’t everyone know that lying in court is illegal and comes with heavy penalties? In the heat of the moment, however, people have been dishonest in court proceedings and on official documents with the mistaken belief that they will be able to better protect themselves from their spouse. It is important never to lie in court, as you could lose any ground you had gained in your case, you could compromise any settlements already made, including custody agreements, and you could also find yourself facing criminal charges of fraud.
4. Having Unrealistic Expectations
A divorce will undoubtedly change almost every aspect of your life, including your financial situation. You might find yourself dealing with higher insurance costs, paying for marital debt, and potential child-support payments. When you work with a divorce lawyer, you’ll get the legal advice you need to prepare for your life after divorce. Make sure you and your divorce lawyer discuss the possible financial situations you may be in, including:
- Support payments needed after the divorce
- Any marital debt obligations you’ll be responsible for
- How to plan for your financial situation after the divorce
If you currently have a financial advisor, it might be a good idea to make an appointment to discuss the impending changes in your financial status, so you can be as prepared as possible.
5. Non-Compliance With Court Orders After Divorce
Once either you or your spouse has filed for divorce, the court may hand down orders regarding alimony, custody, and more. Make sure you understand the terms of each order and comply with them. Non-compliance with court orders could cause you to lose important ground in your case and add potential costly complications. Whether you need help understanding the terms of each order or feel that an order is not in your best interest, it’s important to seek the help of a divorce attorney to guide you through the process.
Your Divorce Lawyer in New York
At The Law Office of Donneshia M. Hall in NYC, we’re here to help you through this difficult time. There are many aspects of divorce that can be incredibly stressful and emotional, and our job is to make sure you have the legal help and advice you need each step of the way. Contact our team today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.