4 missteps that can cost you more than money during your divorce
When people divorce, they often focus on the financial aspect of the process. Yes, it costs money to end a marriage, and you will divide your marital assets. You may also, however, be confronted with decisions that affect more than your financial interest.
If you are going through divorce, understand that there are ways to minimize expenses without compromising your financial and personal future. This includes avoiding the following mistakes:
- Dismissing alternatives to litigation – Options like mediation and collaborative law are effective ways to resolve divorce-related matters without going to court. They can also be more cost-efficient. Prematurely dismissing these options can mean spending more time, energy and money in court unnecessarily.
- Oversimplifying property division – Deciding to just split everything in half and go your separate ways or giving your ex whatever he or she wants in the interest of simplifying the property division process is not wise. There are legal standards in place that dictate what equitable distribution should look like. Ignoring these in favor of simplicity can result in an unfair — and financially unwise — settlement.
- Assuming all divorces are the same – Every divorce is different because every marriage and every spouse is different. You have distinct interests, assets, wishes and intentions that influence your divorce, and failing to recognize this can mean the outcome does not represent your specific needs.
- Not speaking with legal and financial representatives – Chances are, this is the first time you are going through the divorce process. Assuming you can navigate the system and understand your options without any guidance can be a major misstep. Instead, remember that there are legal and financial professionals who have been through this process and can provide valuable insight and advice.
Divorce is a complicated process, and it can be difficult to know what to do. Taking time to understand your options and rights and consulting professionals can help you avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your post-divorce future.