Divorce: Say Yes to Smart Moves and No to Foolish Ones
Divorce can be nerve-wracking, but there’s no sense making things more difficult than they need to be. Before you get started, consider what some experts recommend you should and shouldn’t do:
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| Be sure to contact a local divorce attorney who will represent your interests: Outcomes are generally better when you and your spouse have your own attorneys to advise you in making the decisions possible.
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Never sign papers that you haven’t read or that you don’t understand. There will be negotiations, but that doesn’t mean you have to submit to every idea the opposition puts forth.
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| Learn any requirements associated with filing: you need to know the residency requirements and other basics so you don’t start off on the wrong foot.
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You shouldn’t cave to the inclination to vent on social media: It will very likely come back to bite you.
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| Consider the different kinds of divorce because a divorce that is contested is quite a departure from one that is uncontested. A divorce requiring litigation can be much more time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining than a divorce that is mediated.
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Never use the experience to torment your spouse. It’s not a sign of being a good human, and intentionally making things difficult could backfire and hurt you, your kids, and others.
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| Definitely refinance marital debt, which will likely be divided between you two. It’s important to get all debt refinanced in the name of the person to whom it is assigned. You risk the possibility of your spouse defaulting down the road and having creditors come after you.
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Avoid accusations of parental alienation for yourself and do what’s best for the kids by putting your negative emotions on the back burner when your kids are present. Encourage a strong and healthy relationship between the kids and their other parent because you know that’s what’s best for them.
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| Make sensible financial decisions based on your new circumstances, which means considering the very real changes ahead in lifestyle, living arrangements and habits.
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Never do anything remotely akin to hiding assets. The law requires you to disclose all financial assets. If a forensic accountant finds something that you tried to bury it will lead to unpleasant legal consequences.
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| Look beyond the legal issues that are prescient to those that will arise down the line. Decisions about retirement, pensions, and the kids’ college expenses are critical to consider.
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Don’t be dishonest in order to try to tip the scales in your favor. Just play it straight and let your attorneys pursue best possible outcomes. |
Get Answers to Your Questions
The experienced Boca Raton divorce attorneys at WiseLieberman are ready to guide you to a fair and satisfying divorce settlement, advising you toward positive decisions throughout the process. Schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.
