Be Sure Not to Follow These Examples
Divorce is a complicated process, and it can be easy to make mistakes that can ruin your case. If you are considering divorce or are in the middle of a divorce proceeding, it is crucial to be aware of these mistakes to protect yourself and get through this tough time as smoothly as possible.
Mistake #1: Failure to Plan for Future Financial Changes
It’s no secret that divorce can have a significant impact on your finances. When you’re going through a divorce, it’s important to plan for the future and make sure you understand how your finances will be affected.
One common mistake is failing to account for future changes in income or expenses. For example, if you’re used to living on two incomes, you will find yourself living on just one after divorce and will need to adjust your budget accordingly. If you have children who will now be living with you full-time, your childcare costs may go up significantly.
Take time early on in your divorce to look ahead at what life may look like after proceedings and begin planning any adjustments you may need to make to your spending and saving habits. Doing so now can save you a headache later on.
Mistake #2: Emotional Decision-Making
Going through a divorce can bring up a lot of intense feelings, including sadness, anger, and fear. It’s important to remember that these emotions are normal and expected. What shouldn’t be normal, however, is letting these emotions dictate your decisions.
All too often, people in the midst of a divorce will make rash decisions that they later regret because their emotions got the better of them. That is why it’s so important to think critically about every decision you make during this time. However, this isn’t always easy, as emotions can be both powerful and overwhelming. In moments where you feel as if you may not make the right decision, be sure to consult with your divorce attorney for guidance.
Mistake #3: Using the Court for Revenge
When emotions are running high during a divorce, it can be tempting to seek revenge on your soon-to-be-ex. However, using the court for revenge is one of the worst things you can do in a divorce.
First, seeking revenge through the courts will likely increase the cost of your divorce. Long legal battles can also drag out your divorce proceedings for months or even years. This extended time spent in limbo only prolongs the pain and uncertainty you’re already experiencing in addition to increasing the cost of your divorce.
Mistake #4: Getting Divorce Over With
When you’re going through a divorce, it can be tempting to want to get it over with as quickly as possible. However, rushing the process can often lead to an unfair settlement. You may end up missing out on assets or custody of your children that you would have otherwise been entitled to. It’s important to take the time to consult with a lawyer and make sure that you’re getting what you deserve. Otherwise, you may end up regretting your decision to rush the divorce later on.
Mistake #5: Attempting Divorce On Your Own
When you’re going through a divorce, it’s important to have an attorney by your side. It’s a big mistake to try to go through a divorce on your own. There are a lot of complicated legal issues involved in a divorce, and it’s not something that you should try to handle on your own. An experienced divorce attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
At Levine Law Center LLC, we can help you work through each step of the divorce process. We will keep your best interests at the heart of everything that we do, and we will help you get started on the next chapter of your life. Get started with us by calling our Portland family law attorneys at (503) 208-3459 or by visiting our website.
