If you’re currently going through a divorce, you probably feel overwhelmed with the entire process. Firstly, you have to sort out critical details relating to your finances and children’s welfare. Then, you have to deal with the emotional stress involved. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many divorcing couples make poor decisions in the heat of the moment.
If you want to make the process easier and increase your chances of a favorable outcome, here are things not to do.
Ignore the Services a Lawyer
Hiring a divorce attorney in West Chester PA, is your best chance of getting a favorable outcome. Your lawyer will review your case and offer you advice depending on your unique circumstance.
Having professional legal help is also an excellent idea for contentious divorces or where the couples have complicated financial matters. Even in an uncontested divorce, your divorce attorney in West Chester, PA, can help you file paperwork and guide you through the legal system.
Disregard Your Finances
As soon as you consider getting divorced, it’s paramount to keep cash aside for expenses that’ll arise during the process. It’s also vital to review and record all your household and personal financials. Your financial documents should include bank statements, tax returns, insurance records, trusts, property deeds, vehicle titles, and other related documents.
Good knowledge and physical records of your finances can give you a fair advantage during the asset settlement process.
Hide Assets
Hiding assets in an attempt to prevent your spouse from getting a share can backfire, hurt your reputation in court, and affect your case. A judge can also hold you in contempt of court, which can attract sanctions.
Involve Your Children
While the kids need to be aware that their parents are divorcing, you don’t have to involve them in the details. The issues are already overwhelming for you as an adult; imagine the effect it’ll have on your children.
Similarly, don’t try to get them to take sides with you or use them as pawns against your spouse. Firstly, this action can affect your relationship with your children. Secondly, judges generally don’t rule in favor of the party who doesn’t encourage the kid’s relationship with the other parent.
Get Pregnant or Get Another Person Pregnant
Getting pregnant or getting someone else pregnant in the middle of a divorce can complicate and lengthen the process. The reason is that, legally, the default paternity of a child is always the mother’s husband. If you get pregnant, the process of overcoming the presumption of paternity is quite complex, leading to more expenses and court time.
Similarly, getting someone else pregnant can lead to a new court proceeding relating to child custody and support for the new child. Some judges may consider this action as an indication of your character, which might hurt your case.
Misbehave in the Courtroom
It’s normal to experience conflicting emotions but don’t get upset and scream, yell, or use the wrong words in front of a judge. Additionally, don’t bring your new significant other or dress inappropriately to a court hearing. Your actions and appearance can hurt your case.
Receive a Criminal Charge
Receiving a charge as little as driving under the influence can affect a court’s decision to grant you custody or visitation. It could also limit the amount of spousal support you should receive.
Conclusion
Certain actions can impact the outcome of a divorce case. It’s important to always communicate with your divorce attorney in West Chester, PA, who’ll guide you throughout the process.