Life is unpredictable. When your marriage has failed, the best way out is to resolve every issue and settle things amicably with your spouse. Unfortunately, that’s not the situation with many couples, where separated spouses find it hard to agree on specific issues. If you are in a contested divorce, expect a long process, but we have enlisted what you should NOT do during the proceedings.
Failing to hire an expert:
You don’t need another attorney, but an experienced & capable contested divorce lawyer. Find someone who has worked on such cases, has experience with issues like alimony and child custody, and can go to court when necessary.
Hiding facts from your lawyer:
People often assume there is no need to disclose everything to the attorney during consultations, which again could be a massive mistake. Remember that your attorney can only help you when they know every detail, including financial information.
Dating immediately:
You want to find love, and while that’s okay, the decision could be a critical factor in a contested divorce. The ideal step is to wait until the divorce is finalized, but at the least, keep things low and discreet. If you are dating someone already, let your attorney know, and do not post pictures on social media.
Trying to stick to your demands:
People often are revengeful in a divorce, as if they are more interested in revenge and teaching a lesson to their respective spouses. Avoid that attitude, especially if you don’t want to continue paying your attorney and drag the divorce for months or even years.
Failing to understand financial picture post the divorce:
Can you maintain the same standard of living after you have divorced your spouse? Was there a significant pay disparity between you and your spouse? These are some things to consider when evaluating your financial situation. Check with your attorney if you can get alimony.
Not getting everything in writing:
Your divorce paperwork should be clear and immaculate. Just agreeing with your spouse verbally, especially in a contested divorce, is never a good idea. You need to be absolutely sure that your lawyer is skilled in how they make final agreements.
Final word
Contested divorces often stretch beyond a few months because spouses fail to negotiate and communicate. If you don’t want litigation, consider the option of mediation, which costs much less and gives you a fair amount of control over the final outcome concerning imperative issues.
