Divorce is never an easy process because it involves an emotional and legal separation from your partner. Given these, most couples tend to make some common divorce mistakes during the process, which happen to cost them more in the long run.
But it doesn’t have to be any harder than it needs to be. With the proper guidance from our divorce attorneys in Greenville, you can avoid these common mistakes and have a smoother divorce process.
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Attempting Divorce on Your Own
More often than not, people try to save money by attempting to handle their divorce independently.
They even believe they can ‘google’ enough to handle it alone. Sadly, this can cost even more legal fees and missed opportunities for a favorable settlement when things go south.
The reality is that a divorce involves many complexities and legalities that an experienced lawyer can only resolve.
These divorce attorneys have the expertise and experience to navigate your case efficiently and effectively. They can also properly negotiate on your behalf. So, don’t try to handle a divorce alone – hire a trusted divorce lawyer.
Refusing to Try Mediation or Arbitration
Mediation and arbitration are both alternative dispute resolution methods that allow couples to come to a settlement without going through a lengthy court trial.
These options can save a lot of time, stress, and money for both parties involved, considering the cost of litigation, the prices of divorce, and the protracted period for legal proceedings.
Yet, some couples refuse to consider these options because they believe they will be ineffective or are too stubborn to compromise.
However, it’s important to remember that mediation and arbitration can still be successful even if both parties don’t come to a complete agreement.
And, it’s much better than having a judge make the decisions for you in a court trial. So, consider giving these options a chance before heading straight to court.
Trying to Rush the Divorce
The divorce process takes a lot of work. It can take months, or even years, for a divorce to be finalized.
Part of the reason for this is that so many factors are involved, such as child custody arrangements and the dividing or distribution of assets. These can take time to work through and negotiate – but it’s worth it, in the end, to come to a fair settlement.
Don’t expect a quick and easy divorce, but don’t let it drag on for too long.
Work with your lawyer to develop a timeline and set goals for resolving outstanding issues.
Not Thinking Long Term About Child Support and Custody
When it comes to child custody in Greenville and child support, it’s essential to keep the children’s best interests in mind. But, some couples tend to make decisions based on their emotions or what they want in the short term.
For example, a parent may be tempted to fight for full custody because they don’t want their ex involved in their child’s life. But, it’s important to remember that the child may benefit from having both parents involved, and a shared custody arrangement could be better for them in the long run.
Related Content: What are the leading causes of divorce?
When making decisions about child support and custody, put aside your emotions and think about what will truly benefit your children in the long term. Call an experienced child support lawyer in Greenville today.
Properly Identify Individual Property
This is one of the typical divorce mistakes couples tend to make in divorce proceedings.
In some cases, couples may have a mix of individual and joint assets. And it’s essential to properly identify which assets (including financial assets) belong to each individual to divide them correctly during a divorce.
For example, if one spouse had a 401k before the marriage, it would typically be considered their individual property. But, if they contributed to it during the marriage, it may be viewed as a joint asset.
Sometimes, this becomes a real financial issue that may result in a costly financial mistake – that may affect any divorce settlement agreement.
Consequently, make sure to work with an experienced attorney and financial advisor to properly identify and separate individual and joint assets for a fair division in the divorce settlement. You want to avoid losing out on any of your rightful assets.
Trying to Keep Marital Assets Hidden
Some spouses may try to hide or downplay certain assets to keep them out of the divorce negotiation and settlement. But, this can be a huge mistake – often a complicated divorce matter.
First, hiding or lying about assets during a divorce is illegal. And even if you can get away with it for a while, it will eventually come back to bite you.
Instead of trying to hide assets, be open and honest about your financial situation. It’s better to work with your spouse and lawyer to come up with a fair division of assets rather than risk getting caught in illegal activity.
Moreover, remember that a fair division doesn’t necessarily mean an equal split. What matters is that each party walks away with what they need and are entitled to. It’s essential to come up with a settlement agreement before finalizing the divorce. This includes decisions about child custody and visitation, support, alimony payments, and asset division or splitting assets.
Going to court and having a judge make these decisions for you can be risky – they may not necessarily come up with the best solution for your circumstances.
So, before finalizing the divorce, work with your spouse and lawyer to devise a settlement agreement with which both parties are happy. It may take some time and effort, but it’s worth it, in the end, to have a fair resolution and avoid a complicated situation in the divorce action.
Not Obtaining Quality Legal Advice
It cannot be overemphasized that divorce can be a complicated legal process, so it is crucial to have someone on your side who knows the ins and outs of divorce law. Hiring a competent lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair treatment in court.
Unfortunately, some individuals do not seek quality legal advice or represent themselves in court. This can be a huge mistake as it puts them at a disadvantage and may result in an unfair settlement. So, hire a knowledgeable and experienced divorce attorney who will fight for your best interests during the divorce process.
Final Thoughts
Divorce can be emotional and challenging, but it’s important to make well-thought-out decisions and avoid these common mistakes. By proactively addressing issues like child custody, division of assets, and legal representation, you can ensure a fair outcome for both parties.
Remember, you don’t need to carry the burden alone – work with your spouse, lawyer, and other professionals (i.e., financial planners) to agree on a settlement and finalize the divorce. At Greenville Family Attorneys, we help to protect your family’s future and secure the best outcome.
We are dedicated to guiding our clients through this process and ensuring they receive fair treatment. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your divorce at (864) 475-9393
