Like any other life aspect, you need to be cautious of what you do to have an easy and drama-free divorce. Are you wondering what can you not do during a divorce? There are plenty of things you shouldn’t do with the common ones being:
Don’t do it without an attorney.
Divorce lawyers don’t come cheap, so it’s tempting to go at it alone and save the lawyer fees. This is wrong as in most cases, you aren’t in your right mind, and you are bound to make mistakes, but with a lawyer by your side, they will help you focus on the big picture and avoid silly, costly mistakes.
Even if you have an uncontested divorce, you should still have an attorney by your side. Many people believe that since they agree with their ex-spouses, they have no need for an attorney, but there is nothing further from the truth than this.
As laymen, you are less likely to have all the crucial details in writing. For example, even if you agree on who will have custody over the children, the chances are high that you won’t include important details such as what happens when one parent is sick or traveling.
Even in a peaceful divorce, you should have an attorney who will help you look deeper into the divorce settlement and ensure that it is tight and fair.
To ensure that you have an easy time with your attorney, don’t hide details from them. For the attorney to properly prepare the case and protect you fully, they need to know even the minor details of the case, so put everything in the open.
Don’t hide money or assets.
Divorce often involves the division of property and money, and most spouses aren’t ready to lose what they have worked so hard for. So what do they do? Most try to hide the money and assets they have. This is wrong, as it often puts you in a bad light, especially when the court finds out about it.
To be in good books with the courts, don’t try to do anything fishy with your assets or money. You should note that courts know that many people do this, so they are most likely observing every transaction you are undertaking with a microscope, so even if you are making a legit money or asset transfer, be cautious.
A good way to go about it is to always get in touch with your attorney and ask them whether the move you are making is right and whether it puts your reputation in question.
Don’t take divorce advice from family and friends
The divorce process is emotional, and you want to have the people close to you by your side. As usual, these people will try to advise you on what you should and shouldn’t do during your divorce. While they might be having your best interests at heart, they aren’t professionals, and they might derail you.
It’s good to have a support system of friends and relatives around, but you shouldn’t take divorce advice from them. You should only take the advice from experienced family lawyers Fairfax VA that have been around for long enough and have handled plenty of similar cases before.
Don’t do or say anything you will regret later.
It’s easy to be caught in the bitterness of an ending relationship and try to hurt your ex-spouse by saying or doing hurtful things. Don’t do this, as it often results in regret later.
If you feel a lot of resentment towards your partner, don’t interact with them directly. Instead, let your lawyer work with them. If you want to pass any information to your partner, let your attorney do it on your behalf.