5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce: A Guide to a Fair and Smooth Process
Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, and it's easy to make mistakes that can have long-lasting consequences. Here are the five biggest mistakes people make when getting divorced:
Failing to seek legal advice. Many people make the mistake of thinking they can handle a divorce on their own. However, divorce laws can be complex, and it's important to have an attorney who can advise you on your rights and obligations. A good attorney can also help you navigate the legal system and negotiate a fair settlement. Even when you have an attorney you can make this mistake by acting before consulting an attorney. So many times a client will do something without consulting me and then we end up having a conversation that includes me saying "I wish you had talked to me before you did this."
Not gathering financial information. Before you file for divorce, it's important to gather all of your financial information, including bank statements, tax returns, and investment account statements. This will help you and your attorney understand your financial situation and give a good road map for where to go next. Often these items are easily obtainable before a divorce but one spouse will cut off the other after a divorce case has been filed. It can be to your advantage to get these documents to your attorney before the divorce even starts.
Not being realistic about the process. Divorce can take a long time and can be emotionally draining. It's important to have realistic expectations about the process and to be prepared for the ups and downs.
Not being willing to compromise. Divorce is a negotiation, and it's important to be willing to compromise in order to reach a settlement. This doesn't mean you should give up everything you want, but it does mean that you should be open to making concessions in order to reach a resolution. In short, divorces don't settle because one or both parties is unreasonable. There is nothing you can do if your spouse is being unreasonable but you have the power to not be unreasonable yourself.
Not thinking about the long-term. Divorce is not just about ending your marriage; it's also about creating a new life for yourself. It's important to think about the long-term and to make decisions that will be in your best interests in the future.
Divorce can be a difficult process, but with the right mindset and preparation, it's possible to navigate it successfully. By avoiding these five mistakes, you can help ensure that your divorce is as smooth and fair as possible. I have decades of experience to help you navigate the process. Please feel free to contact me today to discuss your situation further.
