Things You Need to Avoid When Getting Divorced

It is never easy when a couple decides to divorce. Apart from the legal processes that lay ahead, you might be worried about the emotional and physical health impact of divorce.

As you prepare for divorce, here are some things to avoid to make the process as smooth as possible.

Six (6) things to avoid when getting divorced

Here are some of the 'don'ts' when preparing to get divorced.

Don't get angry or hostile.

When discussing the divorce with your spouse, it is not advisable to be angry or hostile. Avoid blame games and arguments over who will keep what property and other assets after the divorce is finalized.

This will make it more difficult for both sides to reach a mutually agreeable solution. Instead, try to remain calm and remember that you are dealing with someone you cared about and who also cared about you.

Don't try to take revenge.

It is pretty common to want to make life difficult for the ex, especially if they have custody of your children or other dependents (e.g., pets). However, it is not worth the cost of hurting yourself or your children to punish them in most cases, and it is unlikely that they will even notice.

Don't be tempted to leave a job.

Whether it is to receive maintenance or claim that your ex was the cause of your financial distress, leaving your job to spite your ex-spouse can actually backfire.

When determining spousal maintenance, the goal of courts is not to encourage lifelong financial dependency. If you are young and are capable of standing on your own feet, the court will expect you to do so as soon as possible.

Don't let your emotions get the best of you.

If you're going through a divorce in a high emotional state, you may end up making decisions that you may regret later.

By viewing the divorce as a business transaction, you can approach each decision with a calm and thoughtful mindset.

Don't talk about the divorce with anyone outside of your lawyer

Avoid badmouthing your ex on social media platforms or to your children, friends, and family members. You may not only say things that you might want to take back later but these statements can also be leveraged as evidence against you.

Ensure any text messages or emails you send to your soon-to-be-ex are also respectful and calm.

Be aware that there are two sides to every story, and try not to judge quickly. This is important when you are talking with family members, friends, or acquaintances who may be your spouse's side.

Keep a schedule for yourself and stick to it.

The best way to keep yourself healthy and productive during the divorce process is to stay disciplined. Keep a schedule for yourself, and make sure you stick to it every day.

This will help you remain consistent and stay on track with your work while providing a stable environment for your children.

Consult a reputed divorce lawyer

Divorce and its consequences can be overwhelming. It can be confusing to know what you should and should not do during the divorce proceedings. At GJC Law, we have a team of empathetic divorce lawyers who can help you make sense of it all and achieve a conflict-free divorce.