How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes During Divorce

Going through a divorce will bring out intense emotions, possibly disrupt your finances, and require you to navigate complex legal proceedings. All of these only add to the stress of ending your marriage. They are also the main reasons people make many mistakes during the divorce process. If you make those same mistakes, it could impact you long-term. Below, one of our Tampa divorce attorneys outlines the common errors, and how you can avoid them.

Weaponizing the Process

Spouses sometimes use the divorce process to punish their partner, particularly if they feel as though the other is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. They may try to unfairly divide marital property or attempt to prolong the process. These tactics are not only a waste of time and money, but they can also very negatively affect any children that are involved. It is also likely that neither side will be happy with the outcome of the process.

Cooperation should be the focus during divorce, not revenge. Allowing your attorneys to handle the situation can keep your emotions out of the process and make it easier.

Failing to Consider Tax Issues

There are often tax implications involved with dividing marital assets. For example, if you divide a retirement account, you may have to pay taxes to withdraw it from its current account. Do not agree to any settlement until you fully understand the tax consequences so you can ensure the distribution is fair.

Hiding Assets

Both spouses are required to provide full financial disclosure at the start of the process. Spouses sometimes try to hide assets so they are not subject to division, but this has serious consequences. The assets will likely be discovered and the court may impose legal penalties.

Moving Out of the Family Home

People want to move out of the family home during the divorce process for many reasons. They may want to escape the situation, or feel as though it will be better for the children, as it will reduce conflict in the home. However, abruptly leaving the marital home may be viewed by the courts as abandonment. It can also make it more difficult to spend time with your children. The courts will heavily weigh these factors when making decisions about child custody, and the move could hurt your case.

Trying to Prove Fault

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means you must only prove that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Trying to prove that your spouse had an affair or otherwise engaged in marital misconduct is often a waste of time and money. That being said, you may want to prove these points if they impacted the marital finances or your children.

Our Divorce Attorneys in Tampa Can Help You Avoid Mistakes 

At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa divorce attorneys can help ensure you are prepared for the process and that no mistakes are made so navigating it is as easy as possible for you. Call us now at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to get the legal advice you need. Se Habla Espanol.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html