5 Common Mistakes People Make During Divorce

5 Common Mistakes People Make During Divorce
© Afif Ramdhasuma

The process of divorce is complex. Many times, divorce participants go through emotions including guilt, wrath, despair, and loneliness. Though these feelings are normal and to be expected, they could cause a party to make mistakes that could have long-lasting consequences on their emotional and financial lives. These are the five most common divorce errors committed by people undergoing the divorce procedure.

Inability to Cut Financial Links

It’s a common misperception that you are financially independent of your ex-spouse after finalizing your divorce and receiving the decree absolute. After your separation is finalized, you must apply for a financial order to guarantee that any outstanding debts between you and your ex are settled.

You mustn’t skip this stage because failing to do so could result in your ex-spouse pursuing a financial claim later. Without an economic order or clean break order, you cannot be sure that you will be protected, even if you think you have reached a financial agreement amicably. This is especially true if one party’s circumstances change or they face financial difficulties.

Lacking Proper Legal Guidance

Even if you have friends or relatives who have gone through the divorce process, they are not lawyers; thus, their advice might differ depending on the situation. Never follow legal advice from anybody but an attorney dedicated to your case. 

Divorces are complex issues involving the distribution of financial assets and child support. Only an experienced divorce mediation attorney can adequately counsel you about your rights and obligations during the divorce procedure.

Exposing Children to Disputes

Families experiencing separation must especially guard the children’s emotions and safeguard them from anything that can bring them grief or confusion. Children’s age will determine the approach to talking about divorce with them and the strategies to help them all through.

Parental alienation can arise when parents deliberately, or unintentionally, divulge specifics of their conflicts or divorce that would affect the children’s inclination to support one side or respond in specific ways.

Acting Out of Anger

Going through these feelings and a rainbow of other emotions during your divorce is reasonable. Still, acting in your divorce depending on these feelings is unacceptable or wise anywhere. 

Making judgments in your divorce that can later harm you could result from acting out of passion rather than based on logical thinking. Getting the guidance of an attorney, therapist, or family counselor will help you make wise divorce decisions.

Trying Hard to Prevent Litigation

Though it is not always possible, most couples want their case to remain friendly as they work through a divorce. Should the opposing party find out you will do anything to evade attending court, they will turn it against you. In your situation, you want to be at an advantage. By attending court, a competent family law attorney can inform you what you will win and lose. You can then decide what is right for you.

Failing to Take Charge of Your Divorce Process

The most important thing to remember during your divorce is that this is your divorce.  Don’t let your lawyer, friends, or relatives take charge of the procedure. You will have to live with the decisions made, not these people. Take charge of the procedure and make solid judgments. You are more likely to be happy with the final result if you actively participate in the process.

Endnote

While divorce is never simple, avoiding common mistakes will help streamline, expedite, and lessen the agony for everyone engaged in the process. You are not alone navigating this. Your future can be safeguarded, conflict can be avoided, and a strong basis for the next phase of your life can be laid with the correct attitude and professional direction.