As you go through the procedure of filing for a divorce, there are steps you are to take, and steps you should veer away from, to ensure a much more successful outcome. And one that is favorable on your end.
Divorce Filing: Dos And Dont’s
- DO hire A Divorce Lawyer
There is just no possibility of winning a divorce case without a lawyer who specializes in the lawful dealing of marriage termination. An expert and experienced advocate of the law, and of divorce cases shall aid you in the legal operations you are to take in filing for said case.
Your legal team will see to it that you comply with court-mandated appearances, document gathering, completion, organization, and timely submission, and the like. Going “pro se” on the matter, or in other words, on the “self’s” behalf, is undoubtedly going to tamper with any chance you may have for a win.
Seek legal advice from your divorce lawyer in Houston and be better equipped for the laborious journey ahead in the divorce filing.
- DON’T Divulge Anything About The Divorce To Your Children
This is a mistake that a majority of parents do. They confide in their kids about the divorce that they are going through. Although this may seem like a positive parenting action to take, being able to talk to your kids about this marriage dissolution, please do not.
We completely empathize with you, that now is one of those crucial times when you need a shoulder to cry on and be comforted. But we will be straightforward as well in saying that your kids should not be the problem-catcher here. What you can do is talk to trusted friends and family members instead. More on this on number 3.
- DON’T Let Your Children Stand In Between Your Conflict
Both numbers 2 and 3 are mainly for the purpose of protecting your children. This divorce is between you and your ex. Your kids are not to receive the brunt of it. Being careless about this may affect their mental health now, and as they grow into adulthood.
Additionally, it is not fair for you to have them pick sides. Even if your aim is to dissolve your marriage, each of you is still a parent to your children. That should not change post the divorce settlement.
Persuading your kids to be resentful towards your ex-spouse— their other parent— will be as unhelpful. It will strain their relationship with either and/or both of you. It is never healthy growing up with this kind of perception about parenting and marriage.
And in the context of this case, it will be viewed negatively by the court, that you are directly or indirectly influencing your child so as to choose between you and their other parent.
- DO Respect Your Ex And/Or Former Spousal Privacy
In it not for you to learn about what steps your ex is taking regarding the divorce case. Not even what they are planning regarding child custody, and related details. Most crucial of all is that you are not to gain access to his or her communication devices— phones and laptops (i.e. messages, calls, emails, financial records, etc.).
These can be sanctioned as criminal charges against you, and the severity of the charges varies per state. Always ask your divorce lawyer for legal advice regarding how to obtain information from your ex-spouse, especially if said information is pivotal for the case.
- DO Have Financial Records At Hand
With divorce comes the reviewing of your assets and properties. Legal representatives need to assess which ones will remain solely with you and which ones are conjugal. Conjugal owning is complex through the lens of divorce. Nonetheless, it is possible to split this into terms that are fair, in the eyes of the law. The same is true with processing the terms in the prenuptial agreement if you and your ex-spouse have one.
Generally, you are to prepare paperwork for your taxes for the past three years. Also, you should ready paperwork reflecting this year’s financial records for your credit card statement, bank transactions, loans, investments, retirement savings, investments, and/or insurances, etc.
