Things to Avoid
If facing a potential divorce, there are several unknown things you should not do that could make the process more difficult than it already is. Here’s what you need to know.
Do Not Move Out of the Marital Home
If possible, do not move out of the marital home before you’ve spoken to an attorney. Leaving home before a legal separation can potentially prohibit you from returning to the home until after the divorce is complete. It can also have unintended consequences on alimony. Of course, if your home has become unsafe, you must find safety and contact the authorities.
Do Not Get Pregnant
This might seem obvious, but having a baby during the divorce process can complicate things. Do not get pregnant with your spouse you’re divorcing or with anyone else until after the divorce is finalized. Although many states are now granting the same rights to single parents that they do to married ones, having a child at this time can be problematic and, in some cases, can delay the divorce.
Do Not Get Lost in the Jargon
Like all legal fields, there is a specific vocabulary you need to know, and if you don’t, it’s easy to misunderstand and lose sight of certain details. Don’t let that intimidate you, though. Finding a lawyer that fits your personality and needs is key in this confusing and stressful time. Be patient with yourself and with the legal process your lawyer is guiding you through, but do not settle for not understanding.
Do Not Take It Out on the Kids
Children need as stable of an environment as possible. They not only will be confused but any added stress and tension from you or your spouse will only make the situation worse. Make sure you don’t belittle your spouse behind their back and in front of the kids. Remember, your spouse is their parent, too. If you criticize the characteristics of your spouse, your kids might see these things as faults in their own personalities because they may very well possess those same characteristics. During a divorce, children are already victims. Focus your energy on making this difficult process as easy on them as possible.
Do Not Refuse to See a Therapist
You’ll likely experience a vast range of emotions during divorce. Seeing a therapist can help you navigate these feelings in healthy and constructive ways. Therapists are professionals who can offer you valuable skills to cope, talk with your kids, and keep your composure during court and any other legal meeting. Being emotionally self-sufficient is one of the best things you can do for your situation.
Things to Keep in Mind
There are numerous things to focus on during divorce, but here are some musts during the divorce process.
Stay Organized
Because there are so many legal documents that you will see and need to gather, having a system of organization in place will make this process so much easier. Here are some legal documents that will help you immensely:
- Copy of your marriage certificate
- Copies of any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Copies of licenses and certifications
- Copies of trust documents
- Copies of any wills executed during your marriage
- Copies of bank, credit card, and any other financial statements you can think of, including life insurance policies
Keep Business Records
In line with staying organized, make sure to keep records and copies of corporate and partnership tax statements or agreements in your portfolio. Also, you should include detailed bank information for businesses as well as how titles to shares of stocks or membership interests are held and maintained and their respective amounts. Again, staying organized can mitigate a lot of unforeseeable issues.
Keep Your Kids in the Loop
Having clear communication with your kids is essential to help them process what is happening at home. You don’t need to tell them everything, but making sure they know you are aware of them and keeping that line of communication open is important. Showing the courts this line of communication can also help, legally, with child custody. Having accurate school information, records, and schedules as well as extracurricular activities, and a list of child care expenses can prove that you’re a trusted parent, too.
Obtain Employer Benefits
Having a list of employer benefits, including life, health, and dental Insurance, helps in divorce. Having these details can add an incentive for child custody and retaining assets, such as home and transportation. Obtain copies of any policy and benefit you can. It is better to have and not need than need and not have.
Esplin | Weight Is Here for You
Divorce is a confusing and challenging time for anyone, and looking past certain details is the last thing you need. If going through a divorce process, Esplin | Weight is here for you. We are confident that you will find legal protection, advice, and peace of mind with our team. Please contact us today for any legal questions or concerns you may have.
