Top Five Mistakes in a Divorce

The Top 5 Divorce Mistakes

To avoid the top five mistakes in a divorce you must take a step back, remove the emotions and treat the process similar to a business transaction. If you are considering divorce, use these tips to help you expedite the process and avoiding the additional cost of an extended litigation. Avoid these divorce mistakes to move on with your life as quickly and painlessly as possible.

1. Having Unrealistic Expectations

The Texas Family Code will dictate many aspects of your divorce, including child support, custody, and division of property. You will probably be awarded what is considered a fair and equitable division of the marital estate and you will probably be awarded or ordered to pay guideline child support. Expecting to take your spouse to the cleaners or having sole custody of the children, absent strong circumstances to support otherwise, is not likely to happen. You should focus on a reasonable resolution rather than “winning” your divorce.

2. Withholding Information from Your Attorney

Your attorney is there to guide you through the divorce process as well as zealously represent your interests. But your attorney must have your cooperation and full disclosure; withholding information will only hurt your case in the long run. You may think that something is trivial or embarrassing but it may be vital information to your case and you need to disclose it to your attorney. The best path to avoiding other divorce mistakes is to be open and honest with your attorney from the moment you are considering divorce.

3. Being a Passive Participant in Your Own Divorce

A divorce is likely addressing vital issues such as your children, your money, and your home. It can be an overwhelming process and you may prefer to let your attorney handle everything and distance yourself from the logistics. It’s important, however, that you remain apprised of the status of your divorce. Ask questions if you are confused and make sure you understanding everything you are signing, whether it’s a mediated settlement or your final decree of divorce.

4. Allowing Emotions to Dictate Your Actions

Divorce is an emotionally trying time. You are probably going through a rollercoaster of emotion, which is understandable for someone in your position. Divorce mistakes are more likely if you let your emotions get in the way of the big picture. You’re ending a relationship you were likely hugely invested in, but you need to set the hurt and pain aside and focus on closing this chapter in your life. Considering the divorce will be over at some point and you will move on with your life, don’t let feelings of anger or hurt cloud your judgment.

5. Believing Your Soon-to-be-Ex is Your Friend

Divorce, by nature, is an adversarial process. There are many divorces where the spouses can come to an amicable solution but there are also many divorces where one spouse will take advantage of the other. Don’t sign anything your spouse wants you to sign without consulting with a competent divorce attorney or let your spouse convince you that you don’t need an attorney. The most important party in your divorce is you; your focus should be on protecting your assets and interests, not remaining friends with your soon to be ex.

The Worst Divorce Mistake: Foregoing Legal Representation

A divorce process can easily be one of the most emotionally and financially turbulent time a person can go through. Having professional legal advice and representation of a board certified attorney will protect your rights to join assets as well as make the entire process less stressful. A family law attorney will keep you from making these potential divorce mistakes and confidently move on to the next chapter of your life.

If you’re looking for an experienced attorney for this important role, contact our team at Ramos Law Group today to schedule your initial consultation.