Going through a divorce is a stressful process, and it is all too easy to make mistakes due to heightened emotions and a lack of clear guidance.
If you are navigating a divorce, you will want to avoid some common pitfalls.
Letting emotions lead your decisions
Divorce involves splitting a shared life, which is often a highly emotional process. However, letting your emotions guide your decisions can lead to choices that are not in your best interest. Try to approach your divorce from a business perspective. Base your decisions on facts, not feelings.
Not understanding your finances
You must understand your financial situation before entering divorce negotiations. This includes being aware of all shared assets, debts and individual incomes. Without this information, you may agree to an unfair settlement without truly realizing what you are agreeing to.
Neglecting the impact on your children
Children feel the effects of divorce intensely. It is essential to maintain open communication with your children, reassure them and make decisions that will minimize their distress. Additionally, avoid speaking poorly about your spouse in front of the children so that you do not increase their stress or potentially alienate them from their other parent.
Underestimating living costs after divorce
Many people do not fully understand the financial implications of living alone post-divorce. It is important to create a realistic budget for your post-divorce life and factor this into any settlement negotiations. If you typically did not pay the bills in your relationship and are unsure what bills to budget for, go through your bank statements and see what comes out each month. It will give you a good idea of what you currently spend your money on and can clear up areas you may have to cut back on.
Not considering mediation
Many people believe that court is the only option for divorce. However, mediation can be a less confrontational and more cost-effective solution. In mediation, you work together to come to an agreement rather than having a decision imposed by a court.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help make your divorce process less painful and lead to a fairer outcome. Divorce is never easy, but understanding the process and what not to do can give you a clear pathway to navigate this challenging life event.
