Divorce can be an overwhelming process, and when you throw in necessary mistakes, it can become convoluted and frustrating. Mistakes in divorce proceedings can exacerbate conflict, stretch out the process, and increase costs.
By avoiding common mistakes, you can each approach the divorce with a more focused approach and far less stress. One of the many ways to take away the complications is to consult with a divorce lawyer. They can give legal guidance for divorce cases.
Without this guidance, a poorly informed party can severely jeopardize its rights or simply run into a fuller aggravation. Here are the three main mistakes that make most divorces even more confounded than ever necessary.
Let’s take a deep dive!
1. Poor Communication
Poor communication can be one of the most problematic sources of difficulty during a divorce. When spouses will not talk, or simply serve up hostility, a fog of confusion and mistrust can set in, preventing any movement toward agreements regarding child custodial arrangements, finances, or who gets what property.
Poor communication may also lead to issues related to deadlines or inadvertently missing a filing because of distractions that only serve to distance you from your goals.
The court expects both parties to cooperate and respond. If one side is not civil or fair, the court has to step in, adding even more delays and costs, which may make it feasible for an agreement to be ignored.
2. Ignoring Financial Transparency
A second major mistake is withholding or ignoring financial information. Due to the necessity of accurately portraying income, property, debts, and expenses in divorce proceedings, any concealment or undervaluation of assets can exacerbate mistrust between parties to a divorce rather than promote transparency and even lead to litigation.
These consequences can create elongated negotiations, court hearings, and even potential consequences for dishonest parties. Transparency is very helpful for negotiating amicably and in as little time as possible.
3. Skipping Professional Legal Representation
Many people don’t think they need to retain a lawyer, as they can represent themselves or only with limited representation. They feel either amicable, they’re trying to save costs, they think they can figure it out, or they are afraid of getting caught in legal technicalities involving the court.
Without professional advice, you may accept terms that are not in your best interest, or effectively settle an issue that could have been avoided altogether, like waiving child support obligations, reasonable alimony, or negotiations related to property division.
Bottom Line
- Poor communication will increase conflict, delay the process, and involve the court in your agreement or process. It is better to be dispassionate, as respectful as possible, and remain focused on facts to see this through.
- Transparency regarding your finances and permissive inclusivity increase the complexity and chances for negotiations to occur. Always disclose your assets and, hopefully, your income fully.
- Don’t try to do it alone. The value of having legal representation is to provide you with safety with your rights and process while avoiding costly mistakes in your filings and prior agreements.
