Working with a divorce attorney is a very involved process, but you can simplify it a bit by understanding some of the basic things your lawyer is likely to tell you. Let's take a look at four things virtually every divorce attorney will tell their clients.
Avoid Fights
This applies to unnecessary fights on both the personal and legal fronts. Getting personal about what led to a divorce can be a challenge, but there's no upside in emotional outbursts or playing the blame game. No-fault divorce is pretty much the law of the land throughout the U.S., and at-fault divorce is hard to pursue even in states that technically allow it.
That means that when you go into court, the judge or the family court officer assigned to the case is going to have little interest in litigating who's the bad guy. Yes, that applies even if the blame at the end of the marriage is shockingly one-sided. If there are extreme issues, such as ongoing threats of physical harm, the venue for dealing with those is a separate proceeding where a protective order may be entered.
Eliminate Unnecessary Variables
Especially when it comes to the division of property, it's wise to break things up into essentials, nice-to-haves, and junk you don't care about. If you can trade something you don't value for something your ex does, that will bring you closer to settling things. Don't go to war over assets that mean nothing to you, and focus on getting the essentials like a place to live and enough money to pay the bills.
Be Thoughtful Where Kids Are Involved
Nothing will put you on the wrong side of a judge faster than not prioritizing children from your marriage. If there are child support and custody questions to be addressed, make sure you understand the court's directive to look out for the best interests of the child. Think about your behavior, and try to weed out conduct that involves a kid at the end of your marriage needlessly. Avoid saying bad things about the other parent when your child is present.
Document Everything
Even if the divorce seems to be going amicably, document everything. If one partner paid the electric bill for the other before a temporary support order could be entered, for example, make a note of the date and the amount. The same goes for any negative actions or statements.
For more information about divorce attorneys, contact a local resource.
