Divorce is never an easy process, but there are some things you can do to make it as smooth as possible. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 7 common mistakes people make during divorce and how to avoid them.
1. Not Hiring an Attorney
One of the biggest mistakes people make during a divorce is not hiring an attorney. Many people think they can save money by handling the divorce themselves, but this is usually not the case. An experienced divorce attorney can help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and ensure that the outcome of your divorce is fair.
2. Trying to Be Friends with Your Ex
It’s important to remember that you are no longer married to your ex-spouse, and you are not obligated to be friends with them. In fact, trying to be friends with your ex can often make the divorce process more difficult. It’s best to maintain a cordial relationship with your ex-spouse but not force a friendship.
3. Refusing to Compromise
Divorce is about compromise—both spouses must be willing to give and take to reach an agreement. If one spouse refuses to compromise, it will only make the divorce process more difficult (and expensive). Try to be reasonable in your expectations and be willing to negotiate in good faith.
4. Failing to Communicate
Failing to communicate with your spouse during a divorce can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication. If you’re not communicating with your spouse, having an experienced attorney is crucial to protect your interests.
5. Not Changing Your Will
If you don’t change your will after getting divorced, your ex-spouse could still inherit from you if you die. Once you get divorced, it’s important to update your will as soon as possible. This action ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, not your ex-spouse’s.
6. Failing to Close Joint Accounts
If you and your spouse have joint accounts (e.g., credit cards, bank accounts), closing them after divorce is essential. These actions will prevent your ex-spouse from accruing debt in your name or using joint funds without your knowledge or consent. Failing to close joint accounts could also leave you liable for any debts incurred by your ex-spouse after the divorce is final.
7. Not Seeking Legal Advice Early On
Rest assured that even before divorce proceedings begin, there are steps that both parties can take prior-to filing petitions that can reduce conflict throughout the process. So it’s advisable to seek experienced legal advice early on (if not sooner).
Don’t Make These Mistakes, Get Legal Help
The divorce process is never easy, but there are some things you can do to make it go more smoothly. We discussed 7 common mistakes people make during divorce and how to avoid them. If you’re considering divorce, learn more about questions to ask before hiring a divorce lawyer.
