If you are about to move forward with a divorce, you probably have an idea about what to expect and understand that this is both a complex and emotional process that people often have a difficult time coping with. Unfortunately, due to the spectrum of emotions you are likely to feel at this time, you might end up making some unnecessary and costly mistakes that could impact your future. With a skilled divorce attorney on your side, you can maneuver around many of these mistakes, but it is still crucial to understand what to look out for.
Here are some of the most common mistakes people make during the divorce process, which you should avoid:
- Getting divorced without understanding the process: In this day and age, it is not uncommon for people to think they can handle everything on their own. If you go through a divorce without hiring an attorney and without understanding the process, however, you are going in blind and will end up with epically terrible results. Educate yourself on the process and ask your attorney any questions you have, so you are never confused about what is going on in your divorce. As the old adage goes, knowledge is power.
- Getting a divorce without the help of a therapist: Sure, you probably have friends and family you can talk to, but there is no substitute for professional help. Having a therapist in your corner to talk you through things will help immensely in the grand scheme of things and provide you with the tools you need to cope with the stress, depression, anger, and loneliness of this experience. Having a therapist will also decrease the likelihood of you having an emotional outburst at the wrong time or place.
- Failing to follow the court’s orders: Court orders are meant to be complied with, so do not start off on the wrong foot by getting on a judge’s bad side right off the bat. You might not agree with the court orders that are in place, but you have to follow them or you will be held in contempt of court. You might even face jail time.
- Being unwilling to compromise: It might be hard for you to have an open mind and cooperate with your spouse, but if you refuse to budge at all, this will only backfire on you. The longer you let your divorce drag on due to your inability to negotiate, the more it will cost. Spare yourself the trouble and costs and try to work with your spouse and keep in mind that neither of you will get everything you want.
- Badmouthing your spouse to the kids: No matter how much your spouse wronged you, he or she is still a parent to your children, so avoid badmouthing him or her in front of them. The things you say have a lasting impact and saying nasty things about your ex-spouse will only hurt your kids.
Contact a Compassionate Divorce Attorney Today!!
If you are getting divorced, you need to hire a legal team with experience, skill, and compassion to get through this as smoothly as possible. At Smith Law Offices, LLC, we have more than two decades of experience and will guide you through a vast array of complex family law matters.
Contact our office today at (636) 400-1177 to request a consultation.