5 Ways To Sabotage Your Divorce
The divorce rate in America is decreasing, but 39% of marriages still end in divorce. If you end up falling into that statistic, your life as you know it will completely change. You may struggle with the transition, and, unfortunately, simultaneously hurt your argument in the divorce. When you know what not to do, you can actively avoid those bad choices. Here are the top 5 ways people sabotage their divorce.
1. Behave combatively
When you dissolve your marriage, you may think that the fighting will automatically end. However, you will likely disagree during the divorce proceedings. Your reaction may be to scream or yell at your ex or the authorities and professionals involved in facilitating the divorce. You may also be tempted to rebel against certain decisions. While it may relieve some of your anger in the moment, you will make yourself look bad. The judge can use your aggression and lack of cooperation against you. Go along with all court decisions, smile and speak politely to your ex, and handle disagreements through the law.
2. Vent on social media
Social media is a place for people to express themselves to friends. However, you shouldn't talk about your divorce on social media, especially while the divorce is playing out. Your words can come back against you in court. Lawyers can even access private accounts, so don't think you're safe just because your account isn't public.
3. Engage in extramarital relationships before separation
According to one survey, 37% of participants indicated that they had been thinking of divorce for 2+ years before they finally filed. These people may feel tempted to create new relationships while contemplating divorce. While possibly checked out of the relationship emotionally already, that doesn't make cheating acceptable. If caught, the judge may sympathize with your ex. If you live in an at-fault state, your ex has the ability to cite your infidelity as the cause of your divorce, which can lead to a better settlement for them.
4. Neglect a prenuptial agreement
When you first fall in love, you never imagine divorcing that person. You probably feel comfortable entangling finances and responsibilities. However, you should protect yourself with a prenuptial agreement, even if you see the relationship lasting forever. You'll be relieved you did when you file for divorce. A prenuptial agreement makes the divorce easier by clearly laying out who gets what. Without a prenuptial agreement, each party will receive half of the marital assets.
For more info, contact a local family law attorney.
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