In the United States, 2.3 out of every 1,000 people get divorced, which is the third highest divorce rate worldwide. While fewer people are getting divorced now overall, it can still happen when you least expect it.
Unfortunately, emotions quickly get in the way, regardless of the reasons. This leads to people making mistakes when filing for divorce. If you’re going through a divorce, it’s time to step back. Learning about the common mistakes people make will save you time and money in the long run.
Keep reading this guide to learn the four most common mistakes to avoid when filing for divorce!
Not Having a Good Idea About Your Finances
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not clearly understanding the state of their finances. This is usually due to one spouse handling all the financial issues during the marriage.
As soon as you see a divorce coming, you need to gather all the information you can. This includes financial records like:
- Your credit report
- Tax returns from the past five years
- Savings and checking account statements
- Retirement and pension statements
- Loan documents
- Credit card statements
It’s also wise to get an accurate value of all the assets involved to know what’s at stake. This will prevent future arguments and ensure you get your fair share.
Not Hiring a Therapist
Divorce takes a significant emotional toll on your life, no matter why it’s happening. While you may think you can handle your emotions well, being in a battle with your soon-to-be ex-spouse takes its toll.
This becomes incredibly challenging if you’re experiencing a difficult divorce and you’re both trying to push each other’s buttons.
Thinking rationally and staying calm is the best way through this process. A therapist can help you work through your feelings throughout the years and everything that led up to this point.
As a result, your divorce will go much more smoothly because you won’t have so much emotional turmoil you haven’t worked through.
Not Trying Mediation
If you can’t agree with your spouse, it may be tempting to just give in to their demands. It’s also tempting to take another route and go through a contested divorce.
But before you jump to extremes, be sure to consider mediation. A trained mediator can help identify issues and find solutions you wouldn’t have considered on your own.
Though it may not always work, mediation can pave the way toward a fair divorce settlement agreement.
Not Getting Expert Legal Advice
You can’t “DIY” your way through a divorce. State divorce laws and divorce and custody issues can quickly become complicated.
Getting a lawyer can save you from many future headaches and extra costs. This is especially true if your spouse has a lawyer and you have kids and real estate property together.
A lawyer can help you with important negotiations and custody issues and help ensure you have an in-depth analysis of your finances.
Choosing a lawyer can be overwhelming, so be sure to research to find an experienced attorney. You can call this family law attorney to get started.
Avoid These Mistakes When Filing for Divorce
Following this guide will help you avoid common mistakes when filing for divorce. Remember, while everything may seem complicated now, things will get better in time.
Talking to your lawyer throughout the entire process will help things go smoothly. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a counselor for extra support.
