Deciding To Split

Posted on: 15 August 2017

Are you going through a divorce, or are currently separated with plans to divorce in the future? If so, then you may be feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there, as well as the legal process you'll need to go through in order to finalize your separation. The key to reducing stress and achieving a favorable outcome for yourself when all is said and done, however, is to avoid a few of the most common pitfalls and mistakes people make when going through a divorce:

Hiding Assets or Money

It makes sense that you want to keep as much of your assets and hard-earned money as you can, and it may be tempting to squander some money away into a hidden account or invest in some assets that you can sell off later. However, it's important to understand that these assets and any hidden bank accounts will most likely be discovered, either by the IRS or by your spouse's divorce lawyer. You don't want to face fines or jail time, so it's best to just let the court system (or mediation) work our your assets division fairly.

Assuming Child Custody Outcomes

If you have children with your soon-to-be-ex spouse, don't buy into the mistaken assumption that the mother always retains primary custody. These days, courts are more progressive than ever when it comes to giving more custody to fathers in divorce settlements, so fathers who want more time should be prepared to fight for it. Likewise, mothers should not assume they will be granted primary custody based on that fact alone.

Not Being Open to Mediation

Mediation is a powerful tool that can help you and your spouse reach agreements on various aspects of the divorce that you may have argued about or disagreed on in the past. Always be open to mediation, even if it seems like a matter that cannot be resolved. It's always best to reach an agreement outside of the court room, and mediators are very good at what they do.

Foregoing a Divorce Lawyer

Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make is failing to work with a divorce lawyer throughout the process. Even if your divorce seems 100% amicable, having a lawyer on your side is the best way to protect your rights and interests, as well as make the entire process easier on you.

Avoid these common mistakes as you go through the divorce process and you can save yourself a great deal of stress down the road. Contact a local family law office for more information and assistance.