Costly Mistakes You Should Avoid During Your Florida Divorce
Divorce is an emotionally and financially draining experience. It’s nonetheless a necessity for certain couples. To make the situation worse, many individuals make very common mistakes that only add to their stress. In this article, the Tampa divorce lawyers at Westchase Law, P.A. will discuss how to avoid some of the most common mistakes we’ve seen our clients make during the divorce process.
Trying to proceed without a lawyer
Some folks will try to manage their divorce without hiring a lawyer. This is a mistake. Consulting with a Tampa divorce lawyer provides you with an understanding of your rights and obligations. You’ll know what legal options are available to you. An attorney will also protect your rights, secure a fair settlement, and if necessary, provide representation in the courtroom.
Not providing full financial disclosure
During the divorce process, you will have to make a list of your assets and liabilities and provide full financial disclosure. This means that you must submit an inventory of everything you own plus any debts you owe. You must be fully transparent with this process. Do not try to conceal assets from your former spouse. Hidden assets could be discovered, and this will be used against you in court. Even making an honest mistake can hurt you during your divorce.
Allowing your emotions to get in the way of making rational decisions
It goes without saying that divorce is an extremely emotional process. You likely feel hurt, angry, confused, and sad. Regardless of what you feel, it is important that you don’t allow your emotions to take over. This can lengthen the proceedings, cost you more money, and take actions that are out of character. All of that will only hurt you during your divorce, so it is always best to remain calm so that you can make informed, rational decisions.
Badmouthing your spouse in front of your children
You probably have a lot of strong feelings about your former spouse. You probably don’t think that they were fair to you during your marriage. Maybe they treated you poorly, cheated on you, or even were abusive. Whatever disagreements you have with your spouse, it is critical that you don’t badmouth them in front of your children. The courts view this as parental alienation and will consider it a strike against you. In some cases, they will penalize parents who employ parental alienation to turn the kids against their former spouse.
Settling too quickly
You probably want your divorce to be finalized so that you can move forward with your life. However, you should consider remaining patient so that you get the outcome you deserve. If you acquiesce to your spouse’s demands without fully considering the impact on your life, it could result in an unfair settlement.
Talk to a Tampa, FL Divorce Attorney Today
Westchase Law, P.A., represents the interests of Tampa residents during their divorce. Call our Tampa family lawyers today to set up a consultation, and we can begin discussing your hopes and concerns right away.
