The Do’s and Don’ts of Divorce Proceedings

The divorce process often involves many steps that should be followed to make the marriage dissolution as easy as possible. It’s also important to avoid certain mistakes that could set you back in the process. By knowing what to do and what not to do during the divorce proceedings, you’ll have a better chance of dissolving your marriage legally without leaving any loose ends.

What to Do

Try to Mediate Instead of Litigate

Divorce mediation with a mediator can make the process of dissolving your marriage more amicable between you and your soon-to-be former spouse. Instead of going to court, the two of you will meet with a mediator if you choose to try to work out an agreement that suits all parties who are involved. If you can’t work out a fair agreement and need a judge to decide the terms, you should then proceed with litigation.

Review Your Estate Details

Your divorce could have an effect on how your money, property, and other valuable possessions will be distributed following your death. If you’ve written a will, you should review the details of this document with your divorce lawyer to see what you intended to leave to your spouse and whether or not you still wish to name them as a beneficiary in any way.

Keep and Review Other Important Records

It’s important to keep records of property deeds, bank accounts, and insurance policies when you’re going through a divorce. If your spouse tries to contest the details of any policies or accounts, you’ll be able to prove your claim if you have the proper documents to submit as evidence. It’s also a good idea to take detailed pictures of your home and any vehicles that you own for documentation purposes.

What Not to Do

Get Children Too Involved in the Process

Your kids will naturally know you’re going through a divorce, but you should try to leave them out of the legal process as much as possible. This is especially important if you and your spouse plan to engage in a continuous child custody battle. When consulting with a lawyer, such as a Palatine divorce lawyer, you can discuss with them any concerns regarding your children. The divorce lawyer you hire can help you manage any child custody issues and give you further tips on how to minimize the impact on your children.

Hide Assets

If you try to hide money, property, or other valuables to try to keep your spouse from obtaining them, you could face stiffer legal consequences that end up costing you more money. You should disclose all your assets when the divorce provisions are being worked out so that a judge doesn’t fine you or award punitive damages to your spouse that total more than what you’d ordinarily have to give them.

Remarry Before the Divorce is Finalized

In most states, you can’t legally marry someone else until your divorce is finalized. You might also have to wait a few months after your divorce to remarry legally. Your attorney can let you know about the specific divorce and remarriage laws that apply to you so that you won’t get into trouble.

It’s important that you have a clear understanding of how to proceed with your divorce the right way if you want to steer clear of certain pitfalls. You can consult with a lawyer who handles divorce cases to learn more about what you should and shouldn’t do during your divorce.