4 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce
A lot is at stake during a divorce. From child custody arrangements to dividing up assets, the implications could have a permanent effect on your life. And, even if you and your partner have agreed to share everything, you can't afford to be complacent. Typically, when people are separating, everyone looks after their personal interests. So, start by hiring yourself a divorce lawyer and then avoid these four common mistakes.
Taking legal advice from family and friends
Make no mistake — your friends and family mean well when they advise you how to navigate your divorce. But understand that they aren't lawyers, so they may not fully understand all facts of the law.
Your aunt may even have gone through a divorce, but the circumstances in her divorce are different from yours. Therefore, only take legal divorce from a competent divorce lawyer, as they can give you expert advice that works for your specific case.
Acting out of anger, guilt, or vengeance
It's normal to experience these emotions during your divorce. Your soon-to-be-ex may have subjected you to continuous emotional abuse, and now all you want is to see them suffer. However, don't let these emotions affect how you make decisions or take actions during the divorce.
Acting out of emotions may lead you to make hasty decisions that cost you money or negatively impact your case. For example, if you're fighting for every asset just to piss off your ex, you could end up spending all the money that would have helped you in your post-divorce period. Seeking the help of a divorce lawyer, family counsellor, or therapist can help to ensure you're making sound decisions throughout the process.
Making oral agreements
Even if you have an amicable relationship with your spouse throughout the divorce process, avoid making oral agreements regarding divorce issues. Instead, all agreements should be included in a written settlement.
That promise your partner made about the RV or boat isn't valid until it's formalised in the divorce settlement. When everything is on paper, you'll be protected if they change their mind in the future and want to repossess the RV.
Starting another relationship too soon
Getting romantically involved with another person before your divorce is finalised is a bad idea. Your spouse may get jealous and use that relationship against you during the divorce proceedings. They may also become difficult to deal with during negotiations.
Worse still, introducing a new partner to your children too soon may confuse or traumatise them. Hence, try to be respectful and move slowly. Once the divorce is finalised and you're ready to move on, you will have all the time and freedom to flaunt your new babe.
If you have any questions about family law issues, talk to a lawyer near you.
