When emotions run high, it’s easy to make mistakes during divorce that can haunt you for years. As you embark on this path, it's crucial to navigate the process wisely to secure your future. At The Everson Law Firm, we understand the complexities of divorce in Wisconsin. Let's dive into the common divorce mistakes individuals make and provide valuable insights on how to avoid them.
Don’t Rush: The Importance of Patience
Divorce can be emotionally charged, leading many to rush through the process. At The Everson Law Firm, we emphasize the importance of taking a breath and addressing each hurdle throughout a divorce with the forethought and tact they require. Take the time to consider the long-term implications of each decision. Rushing may result in agreements that do not align with your best interests or the interests of your family.
Face Financial Realities: Ensure Your Fiscal Future
Fantasizing about dream homes, new vehicles and exotic vacations makes separation more palatable. But unless you just won the lottery, economic reality eventually intrudes with hard lessons. The fact is that divorce has significant financial implications. Overestimating what you’ll receive or underestimating what you’ll give can lead to post-divorce struggles. Our attorneys stress the importance of a comprehensive financial evaluation. Understand your assets, debts, and future financial needs. A clear financial picture can serve as the foundational bedrock to dictate asset divisions, child or spousal support and other financial settlement decisions.
Find Your Paper Trail: Documentation Guides the Divorce
Thorough documentation is the backbone of a successful divorce. Scrambling to track down tax returns, bank statements, investment documents, documents relating to ownership of assets and bills post-split only leads to frustration. Start compiling relevant financial records now to determine assets, debts, budgets and spending habits. Failing to gather and organize essential documents before negotiation or litigation begins can lead to costly, time-consuming delays and complications.
Failing to disclose an asset that should’ve been included in your divorce after the ruling has been made can qualify as grounds for changing divorce terms and restarting the process.
Divorce Affects the Whole Family: A Child-Centric Approach
Divorce can be particularly challenging for children. Keeping your children at the center of all actions and decisions not only saves them from emotional trauma but also serves as a rock-solid compass to guide you in the process. Share age-appropriate information with your children about the divorce and listen to their feelings and opinions. Children should never be used as pawns during the divorce process.
The family law experts at The Everson Law Firm advocate for a child-centric approach. We work to establish fair custody arrangements and placement plans that prioritize the well-being of your children.
Litigation Isn’t the Only Option: A Smoother Path
Many individuals overlook alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. This approach can save time, money, and emotional energy. For example, for some couples legal separation is the right option. If you’ve done the research and know that divorce is the best option for your situation, read up on the first step in the process, filing for divorce, in our previous blog post.
Avoid Stirring the Pot with Unrealistic Offers: Get off on the Right Foot
Most judges prefer avoiding divorce trials and opt for a much faster option: mediated divorce agreements. However, a grossly unrealistic original proposal almost guarantees an impasse. Coming to the negotiating table with a respectful, realistic first offer sets the tone for the rest of the process and can prevent heated situations. Demonstrate willingness to find fair middle ground and your spouse will give you the benefit of the doubt down the line, leading to a faster resolution.
Get the Help You Need: Seek Professional Emotional Support
Divorce isn't just a legal process; it's an arduous emotional journey. Neglecting the emotional impact not only can affect your mental health, but it can also lead to poor decision-making resulting in long-term negative consequences. However, sharing facts and feelings about an ongoing divorce with friends and family can backfire. Venting to friends feels good temporarily, but disclosing private details behind your spouse’s back can lead to negative outcomes in the courtroom. Resist airing dirty laundry in person or on social media where posts fuel tension fast. Instead, speak with a counselor or professional therapist.
Don’t Get Lost in the Moment: Plan for Beyond the Ruling
Getting caught up in short-term revenge can set you up for long-term failure. Many individuals focus solely on the divorce decree without considering the post-divorce landscape. Planning for life after divorce is critical. When going through a divorce, it’s important to envision your future and address issues such as estate planning, insurance, child support and other long-term considerations.
Don’t Stoke the Flames: Find a Problem-Solving Ally
With the right legal partner, you can emerge from a divorce stronger, wiser and ready for a new chapter. Your attorney is your number one ally when going through a divorce. Ideally, visits with your attorney should lessen stress and provide confidence, not instill anger and desperation. When searching for the right attorney, look for individuals with the following characteristics:Â
Empathy,
Compassion,
Integrity,
Honesty, and
Respect.
Contact The Everson Law Firm Today
Since 1916, attorneys at The Everson Law Firm have dedicated their careers to providing sound legal expertise to northeastern Wisconsin residents that embodies the characteristics listed above. Contact The Everson Law Firm today and begin the divorce process with confidence.