When you are going through a divorce, the things you do can make or break your divorce settlement. The mistakes you make throughout your divorce can add up and might hurt you in court. Below, we explain the biggest mistakes that couples make during their divorce.
Mistake #1: Not Changing Wills, Trusts and Life Insurance Beneficiaries
One of the most common mistakes that couples make when they decide to divorce is leaving their wills and trusts unchanged. This can be an extremely costly mistake that can result with you losing valuable assets. Just because you are getting divorced doesn’t mean your ex-spouse automatically loses their rights to what you have allocated for them in your will. Forgetting to make changes to your will and trusts can result in your family members losing out on the property you intend to leave them. The same goes for changing your life insurance beneficiaries.
Mistake #2: Using Your Children
If you want to maintain the happiness of your children, it is crucial that you keep them out of your divorce as much as possible. This means you need to manage the details you reveal to them. Knowing too much about your divorce can place unneeded stress on your kids. Don’t try to get your children to side with you over your spouse on day-to-day issues because it can be damaging. The court might also view such attempts as parental alienation, which can result in you being penalized or more custody being awarded to your spouse.
Mistake #3: Stopping Financial Support
If you’re the highest earning spouse in your home, you might want to stop providing financial support to your spouse once you start the divorce process. Although you no longer want not support someone who doesn’t want to be a part of the marriage, cutting off financial support can look really bad in the eyes of the court. If you pay for your spouse’s car insurance, utility bills, or any other household expenses, you should continue paying for them. Withholding payment will only make you look bad and could affect the amount of child support and/or spousal support you end up owing.
Mistake #4: Hiding Assets
It’s natural to want to protect yourself as much as possible during your divorce. However, some people go too far and try to hide assets that must be disclosed. Under the law, both parties in a divorce are required to be transparent about their finances. If you attempt to hide your assets, whether it’s a physical asset or a financial account, you can get caught and will have to face legal and financial ramifications that go beyond your divorce. It’s best to be open and honest about your assets and to then make a solid case for the assets that are rightfully yours.
Mistake #5: Letting Your Emotions Get the Best of You
Divorce is a highly emotional and stressful process that can make you feel sadness, anxiety, anger, and even depression. No matter how ready you are for your marriage to be over with, don’t let your emotions guide you when making important decisions. If you find yourself getting emotional during your divorce, take a deep breath and really consider the choices you’re thinking of making.
Talk to a Gainesville Divorce Lawyer Today
At the Swanson Law Center, P.A., we are dedicated to providing our clients with professional and empathetic legal guidance. Our skilled attorneys use customized legal strategies that suit the needs of your unique situation. Let us protect your rights and interests and help you move on to the next phase of your life.
Call (352) 375-5602 now to schedule your consultation with our Gainesville family law attorney.