Knowing what to do during divorce is not really something that is instinctual for most people. For many, it takes advice from an attorney to understand what the process may be like. They have likely represented many spouses just like you, who now must part ways from the person they imagined spending forever with.
There are many do’s and don’ts when it comes to divorce, and many people don’t figure these out until the process is complete and they reflect back in hindsight. So, we have decided to share some of these tips with you in hopes that your divorce flows with as little pain and road bumps as possible. If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Do: Agree to Disagree and Meet in the Middle
The chances that you and your spouse are going to agree on every topic along the way is highly unlikely. In fact, you are probably more vulnerable to disputes simply because you are filled with difficult emotions and now must go through a grueling legal process. Perhaps the best thing you can do is negotiate respectfully with help from an attorney, when it comes to matters like money, child custody, spousal support, who keeps the family home, pets, vehicles, shared debts, and more. If you are unable to arrive at a resolution through mediation, the court judge may then have the final say in these personal matters instead.
Don’t: Try to Seek Revenge During Divorce
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Do your best to put aside resentments and anger towards your spouse and listen to what they have to say, then offer a solution somewhere in the middle. You may feel tempted to be vengeful towards your spouse, particularly if the separation is leaving you feeling pent up and isolated. For example, seeking revenge by trying to keep the other spouse away from shared children, is likely to lead to even more anguish for everyone involved. Reach out to friends and family for support, and contact an attorney for guidance when needed.
Do: Put Your Verbal Agreements on Paper
It is not wise to assume that your spouse is going to abide by agreements he or she made during verbal conversations. If things get ugly during the divorce, your spouse may be quick to take back anything previously stated. A divorce attorney can help you create documents that reflect any agreements made through words, and then you both provide a signature. In this way, the paperwork is legally binding in the eyes of the court. If your spouse decides to become difficult and rescind a promise, you can bring forward the signed document as evidence.
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