While divorce is often a stressful time for Florida couples, some spouses make mistakes that can make the process even harder. There are certain things that couples who are planning to divorce are advised to avoid.
People often fail to have their financial affairs in order when they decide to file for divorce. While some situations may warrant an immediate departure, most individuals can benefit from an organized approach to the transition. This includes making an inventory of all household items, retaining copies of financial records, obtaining a credit report, establishing separate accounts and assessing future employment prospects. Another mistake to avoid is not contacting a financial planner before attending formal or informal mediation sessions. While mediation might help cut down on legal expenses, not talking to a financial planner can mean that a person may agree to terms that are not in his or her best interests. For example, a spouse may fight for the family home only to discover after the divorce that mortgage payments are not affordable.
It is not uncommon for spouses facing a divorce to quit a job or decrease their hours in the hope of having to pay less alimony or child support. This is often considered by the court to be “willful underemployment” and could backfire as a judge could order a spouse to pay support while unemployed.
An attorney with experience in family law matters may be able to assist an individual who is going through divorce. The attorney may be able to help negotiate and prepare agreements which deal with such issues as property division, spousal support and child custody.
Source: Huffington Post, “The 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Considering a Divorce“, Debbie Martinez, October 15, 2013
