Common mistakes people make during a divorce
Jul 24 2015 - Posted by On Behalf of the Lincoln Law Firm, PPLC, in Divorce, Property Division, Tagged in Property Division
Many Houston residents will go through a divorce in their lifetime. Although some married couples think their marriage will last forever, in many cases a divorce becomes all but inevitable. Of course, the end of a marriage is often a highly emotional period, and in this atmosphere one can easily make mistakes that will make matters worse later on. It is important to keep in mind some common mistakes people make during the divorce process.
One legal mistake an individual can make is not choosing the divorce process that works best for them. Collaborative law, mediation, and negotiation are three routes to a divorce, so it is important to learn about these choices and what makes for individual’s particular situation.
Another mistake is not taking enough time to gather important financial information. It is so important for the future to make sure that there is a complete understanding of all financial information including debt, assets, income, etc. It is the only way to make sure an individual will have enough money after the divorce is finalized.
Also, it is important to know the tax complications of a divorce. Dividing up investments, selling property and receiving and paying child support and alimony all have tax consequences. Keeping that in mind, it is critical to always know and understand the documents one is signing. If an individual doesn’t read the divorce papers before signing, then they may setting themselves up for disappointment down the road.
A divorce is a long and complicated process. A legal professional skilled in family law can often help a person with their unique situation and needs. It is often important to have an attorney on one’s side helping with every step of the process so that the divorcing party can, hopefully, emerge on the other side ready for a fresh start.
Source: Huffington Post, “10 legal mistakes people make during divorce (and how not to make them!)” Karen Covy, July 20, 2015