Divorce is a difficult and stressful process that can have a lasting impact on your life. However, there are some things you can do to make it easier and avoid common pitfalls. Here are some tips on what you should avoid during a divorce.
– Don’t make rash decisions. Divorce can trigger a lot of emotions, such as anger, sadness, guilt, or fear. However, you should not let these emotions cloud your judgment and make you act impulsively. For example, don’t move out of the marital home without consulting a lawyer, don’t quit your job or start a new relationship, don’t give up your rights or agree to anything without understanding the consequences. Instead, take some time to calm down and think things through before making any major decisions.
-Don’t fail to tell your spouse if you want to reconcile. You should get divorced if you know it is the right decision for you. If you have reservations about getting divorced then take the time to explore your feelings and figure out what you really want. If you want to reconcile, you need to discuss this with your spouse and possibly a therapist. You should not regret failing to explore reconciliation.
– Don’t involve your children in the conflict. Divorce can be hard on children, especially if they witness their parents fighting or badmouthing each other. You should not use your children as pawns or messengers in your divorce, or try to turn them against your spouse. Instead, you should reassure your children that they are loved and supported by both parents, and that the divorce is not their fault. You should also cooperate with your spouse on co-parenting issues and respect their role in your children’s lives.
– Don’t hide or waste assets. Divorce involves dividing your marital property and debts, which can be a complex and contentious process. You should not try to hide or waste any assets that belong to the marital estate, such as transferring money to a secret account, spending excessively on unnecessary items, or destroying or damaging property. This can be considered fraud and can result in legal penalties and an unfavorable outcome in your divorce settlement. Instead, you should disclose all your assets and debts honestly and accurately, and try to preserve the value of your marital estate.
-Don’t fail to tell the truth. Lying in Court constitutes the crime of perjury. If you are prosecuted, it could result in criminal penalties including jail. Even if there is no criminal prosecution, a finding by a judge that you were not truthful can result in the judge ruling against you in many contested issues. Failing to tell the truth almost always results in higher legal costs and more acrimonious proceedings. Part of telling the truth is filling out all documents completely and honestly. In particular, makes sure your financial statement is complete and accurate.
– Don’t ignore professional advice. Divorce can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you are not familiar with the legal system and the financial implications. You should not try to handle everything on your own or rely on hearsay or online sources. Instead, you should seek professional advice from qualified experts, such as lawyers, accountants, therapists, or mediators. They can help you understand your rights and obligations, protect your interests, and guide you through the divorce process.
