Divorce is a trying time for the best of us, and it is easy to get bogged down in the emotional side of the divorce. Therefore, spouses often make mistakes, fall behind the 8-ball, and find themselves ill-prepared when it comes time to make decisions. In this article, the Dansille, IN, divorce lawyer, Chris Arrington, will discuss mistakes to avoid in your Indiana divorce.
Failing to Gather Documents Related to Assets and Liabilities
Mediation and litigation can only proceed after sufficient documentation has been established concerning assets and debts. Failing to gather sufficient documentation is one of the most common mistakes that divorcees can make during their divorce. You will need to provide accurate financial records, property titles, and other financial documents, including retirement accounts. Failure to provide these can stall your case and cost you money. You will want to ensure that you have copies of bank statements, tax returns, mortgage documents, and any other financial records.
Failing to Be Open With Your Attorney
Effectively communicating with your attorney is a key issue in an Indiana divorce. Failing to communicate honestly with your attorney may lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. You will want to maintain regular contact with your attorney and respond promptly to their questions. You will also want to ensure that they are in the loop about any changes to your circumstances.
Failing to Consider Long-Term Financial Implications
Divorce heralds significant changes to your long-term finances. You will want to consider these as you move forward with your divorce. Many folks make the mistake of only considering their short-term finances. Working with a divorce lawyer or financial advisor who can help you understand the financial consequences of your divorce is imperative.
Allowing Your Emotions to Drive Your Decisions
You should be wary about allowing your emotions to drive your decision-making in a divorce. It’s better to treat divorce as a financial transaction because, in many ways, that is exactly what it is. And it will have a profound impact on your future.
Failing to Consider the Benefits of Mediation
Many high-conflict divorces head to litigation. Litigation is more expensive and more time-consuming than mediation. Many individuals in a divorce would benefit from mediation even if their divorce is high-conflict. Failing to consider the benefits of mediation in a divorce case can end up costing you thousands of dollars in legal fees.
Discussing Your Divorce on Social Media
You want to avoid any discussions of your divorce on social media. Your former spouse may use these posts as a way of leveraging you against your interests. In most cases, it is beneficial to shut down your social media accounts while you are in the midst of a divorce case. You do not want to do or say anything that could harm your reputation with the court or cost you when it comes to child custody arrangements.
Talk to a Danville, IN, Divorce Lawyer Today
The Danville, IN, family law attorney, Chris Arrington, represents the interests of those who are filing for divorce. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps immediately.