5 Tips On What To Avoid When Filing For Divorce
Whenever any two people get divorced, there is bound to be some anger and resentment. You wouldn’t be divorcing them if you were best friends.
Although the term “amicable divorce” may seem oxymoronic, there are some actions a splitting couple can do to make things go smoothly. There are a few things you should not do when you have made the difficult decision to end your marriage.
1. Do Not File Your Paperwork Until You are Ready
Many couples file for divorce and pay the fee only to reconcile a few weeks later. Divorce should not be the solution to every one of your conflicts. It is a good idea to get counseling from a licensed marriage and family therapist before you file for divorce. The filing fee for a divorce in Utah is $318 and it is non-refundable.
2. Don’t Pit Your Kids Against Your Spouse
Divorce is very painful and emotionally trying. When you go through it, your kids are certain to experience a level of anxiety and depression. Because you are going through the experience together, it can be easy to think of your child as our confidant. You may be tempted to tell them your side of the story and bad mouth your spouse.
A child needs security and they should never think that one parent is more sympathetic or trustworthy than another. Furthermore, biasing a child can affect your ability to get custody or visitations.
Be sure to pay your children extra attention when you are divorcing. Take them camping and to the movies and let your spouse do the same.
3. Do Not Handle the Divorce Yourself
Even if you and your ex will remain friends, it is still important to get an attorney to help you with the paperwork. If you do not have much property to divide and there is little conflict, you may be able to use the same attorney to guide you through gathering the appropriate documentation, act as a mediator, and help you figure out a child custody plan.
If your divorce is not so friendly and your spouse has an attorney, you will want to get one as well. Divorce attorneys have years of experience in compiling evidence, arguing in front of judges, and making sure their clients are well taken care of.
4. Don’t Forget About Your Will
If you are not a wealthy or elderly person, it can be easy to forget about your will. You and your spouse may have made wills years ago or when you first got married. Be sure to make a new will leaving your money to whomever you wish. Remember to change the beneficiary on your insurance policies as well.
5. Don’t Settle Before You are Satisfied
You worked hard for your money and the things that you purchase with it. You should get to keep what is rightfully yours. It can be easy to give in, in order to keep the peace or just get things over with. Remember that money and property are very important to your future.
Author Jean Kerr once said, “A lawyer is never entirely comfortable with a friendly divorce, anymore than a good mortician wants to finish his job and then have the patient sit up on the table.”
This is true because your lawyer does not want to see you taken advantage of.
Divorce is hard enough. Avoiding mistakes can make everything get done in a timely fashion so you can begin your new life.
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