Reaching Out: How The Right Legal Avenues Can Help

Reaching Out: How The Right Legal Avenues Can Help

Getting Divorced? Avoid These Common Mistakes

by Jessica Spencer

If you and your spouse are heading for divorce, there are some things you need to keep in mind. While you might think that you and your spouse will not disagree on many things during the divorce process, don't let that lead you to making bad choices. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Skipping Mediation

Mediation is important during a divorce as it helps you and your spouse compromise on many different matters. It can help you decide what to do about property and child custody, as well as help to avoid divorce court. During mediation, the person leading the discussion is a neutral third party, so they will not side with you or your spouse. You can each have your divorce lawyer there as well. Don't assume you don't need it or that it won't help you. Mediation is an important part of the process.

Making Financial Mistakes

There are a variety of financial mistakes that people often make before and during a divorce. For example, jumping into a divorce without first looking at your budget is a major one. Divorce can be a costly process, so have all your ducks in a row first. Also avoid making any big purchases or trying to empty the bank account you have with your spouse. These are the types of financial mistakes that can cause you to go to divorce court. Leave shared finances alone until you make arrangements for splitting up property and assets.

Failing to Get Custody Agreements in Writing

If you and your spouse have children, you may find child custody to be one of the more difficult things to agree on. Even if you have discussed it already and believe you have a good arrangement for co-parenting, make sure it is legal and that you get it in writing. Just because you agree now, doesn't mean in a few months your spouse won't try to get more time with the kids or demand more spousal or child support. You need to go through your lawyers, regardless of how civil you are trying to be during the divorce process. This is for your own protection and your children's.

Not Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

Another common mistake made by people who think the divorce is going to go smoothly is not getting a lawyer. A divorce lawyer is a good idea for anyone getting divorced. They can help you file paperwork, set up mediation, and discuss the financial aspects of the divorce with your spouse. Even if they don't represent you in court, it is still good to have them by your side for legal advice.


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About Me

Reaching Out: How The Right Legal Avenues Can Help

Hello, all. I am a volunteer worker at an outreach centre which helps people of all ages with financial problems. I have come to realise that many of these people face hardships due to life-changing incidents such as unfair dismissal, a workplace injury or a car accident. Many of them are hard workers who aren’t aware of their legal rights. Last year, our outreach centre brought a lawyer on board to provide legal advice and assistance. I help by scheduling appointments, taking notes and following up on each case. I have learnt an awful lot about our laws and am impressed how knowing the right legal avenues can change people’s lives. I have just started a legal assistant’s course and thought this blog might be a good place to record the knowledge I gain. I hope you find it useful and insightful. Thank you for stepping into my world.