6 Mistakes To Avoid During A Divorce

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In the United States, there are approximately 2.4 divorces for every 1000 people. With the average marriage lasting 8 years, it’s important to note that the majority of married couples will likely experience a breakdown and have to undergo a divorce to end the marriage formally. These statistics highlight that divorce is a common occurrence and that many individuals have successfully navigated this process before.

While everyone is likely familiar with the concept of divorce, the actual process can be complex and overwhelming. Most people will be unaware of exactly what the divorce process looks and feels like, including the legal steps involved. However, it’s also important to consider the emotional toll it can take. Divorce can be a highly stressful and emotional experience, often involving feelings of loss, anger, and uncertainty. Understanding these emotional aspects and knowing what to expect can help you better prepare for the journey ahead.

This post will discuss the actions you should avoid during a divorce, paving the way for a positive and favorable outcome.

Not Getting A Lawyer

Failing to get a lawyer or even legal advice for your divorce can be a huge mistake. Even if things seem simple and go smoothly, not having legal representation can lead to potential issues such as unfair asset division, inadequate child support, or overlooked legal requirements. For instance, without a lawyer, you might not be aware of your rights regarding spousal support or the division of retirement accounts. A divorce lawyer can advise you on what is best for you and what you are entitled to, ensuring that the marriage has been finalized and everything is taken care of without you worrying.

Listening To Other People

No two marriages are the same, and neither are divorces. While the legal process will be the same in the way the divorce is approached, the division of assets, child support, alimony, etc., will be entirely dependent on the couple involved and their lives only. This means that any advice you get from others could be wrong for you, outdated or simply incorrect.

Relying on others for advice can lead to missteps and the wrong decision, so avoid taking advice from third parties as much as possible.

Don’t Hide Assets

If you think hiding assets or finances will help you to avoid paying out more in divorce, you are wrong. The cost will be worth everything, and hiding money or assets will only make things worse and drag out the process. Always declare everything that needs to be involved in the divisions of assets, even if it is not being split or contested. This enables the judge to make every sign fair and above board that both parties are being treated equally or in other parts of the marriage.

Don’t Punish Your Spouse

Many actions can be deemed to punish your soon-to-be ex-spouse, and you should avoid anything that can have negative connotations. Refrain from making rash decisions, lashing out in anger, or sending hurtful messages. Everyone is capable of making the wrong 

decision in the heat of the moment, but anything you do that is deemed to be punishment or in retaliation towards your spouse will only work against you, and it’s highly likely it won’t even make you feel better.

Using Children as a Weapon

Turning your children against their other parent or using them as a weapon to hurt your spouse won’t look good on you and will actually end up backfiring and giving your spouse more control when it comes to parental matters in a divorce.

Refrain from involving your children in the divorce as much as possible. Don’t poison them against your spouse, avoid calling them names in front of your children, and don’t block visitation or access, especially if it’s been court-mandated. This can lead to many problems down the line and will, in the long run, only impact your children and their relationships with both parents.

Don’t Rush Into Another Relationship

Navigating a divorce is a complex process, and this is probably one of the worst times to embark on a new relationship. While there’s no legal recourse to starting a new relationship when divorcing, it can end badly if your ex isn’t too pleased with the new arrangement or if things are bitter and the divorce is being dragged out through the courts. It will only give them more ammunition to throw in your direction. Plus, it can be a challenging time emotionally, and adding in new feelings and a new person can impact your ability to give things a fair go due to your life at this time.

While it’s easy to make mistakes during a divorce, avoiding these pitfalls can empower you to navigate the process more effectively, ensuring the best results for you and your spouse as you move forward with your lives.