There are many things that you need to do when you are going through a divorce. Similarly, there are quite a few things you should never do during a divorce.
At the top of your list of things to remember should be your own conduct during this process. Throughout all stages of a divorce, do your best to stay composed and to be cordial with your former partner..
Don’t Speak Emotionally
While it is easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment, it’s important to not say anything that you might regret later or lash out at your former partner. You don’t want your words to come back to haunt you or affect any legal decisions made in the future.
Along the same lines, avoid saying anything negative about the other parent in front of your children, even if you are joking or speaking to someone else present. It would be inappropriate for them to hear things said by your partner about you, so you should act accordingly. Although you may have your differences, it will help your children deal with the divorce if you and your spouse present a united front.
Don’t Retaliate
Retaliation is one of the main reasons people end up in messy situations when they could have otherwise kept things civil. Retaliation refers to any spiteful action you take against your spouse, like doing something you know will bother or upset them or reacting to something hurtful that they’ve done.
You don’t want to create a situation where your spouse has grounds to take action against you in court.
Don’t Stop Communicating
Stay open and keep communicating with your partner, especially about children and finances. This might be one of the most important things that one should never do during a divorce. You might want to cut ties, but in order to protect yourself and children, if you have any, it’s important to have a civil relationship.
Don’t ignore Your Children
If you are able to, spend as much time with them as possible and communicate with them about what’s going on in their lives. It will help them to not feel lost or ignored during such a confusing time and keep your relationship with them intact. Follow through with promises to take them places or do activities with them, especially if you’re seeking some form of custody.
Don’t Try to Win Every Fight
As much as you might want to walk away with everything you want from your marriage, that’s not always possible. Sometimes, you will have to let things go even if it doesn’t feel fair in order to protect yourself and your children.
When it comes to the division of marital assets, you might want certain assets or to claim something that your spouse wants, too. It’s not realistic to argue over every single item. You need to learn how to compromise and prioritize the things that mean the most to you.
Don’t Disregard the Law
The court system is in place for a reason and ignoring it can put you at risk of legal consequences. It’s important to abide by court orders and make sure you aren’t doing anything illegal such as attempting to hide assets or spousal support, which will cause you problems later on. If you have any questions or doubts, talk to a lawyer.
Work with a Reliable Divorce Lawyer
Following this advice on things you should never do during a divorce can make the process easier not only for yourself but everyone involved. For more guidance and high-quality legal services, get in touch with Monarch Family Law.
