Divorce is a difficult subject, and no one can go through it perfectly. Iowans who have gone through a divorce know all too well that it’s easy to make mistakes throughout the process.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid if you are going through a divorce:
Ignoring options
Movies and TV depict divorces as drag-out fights. Two parties are trying their hardest to get the best of each other, with the help of a judge and their attorneys.
Fortunately, real divorces aren’t always like this. When a couple decides to divorce, too often they do it with the courtroom as their only option. Choices like mediation or collaborative separations don’t even cross their minds.
Depending on how the relationship ended, working together through a divorce can make things go faster and end up saving both of you money.
Waiting for the right moment
Couples may try to make it through holidays, a child’s birthday and a stressful period at work before considering divorce. This is a mistake.
Delaying the start of a separation can damage your relationship with your ex-partner, and create tension.
It can be a painful process, but it’s much better to finish as fast as possible than to drag it out.
Celebrating on social media
Sometimes, people see divorce as a competition with winners and losers. To feel like they’re “winning” their divorce, they celebrate the fact they are single on social media.
While it may feel good to proclaim your newfound freedom, it’s usually a bad idea.
Not only will anything you put on social media make its way to your ex-partner but if your divorce turns litigious, online posts can be used as evidence against you.
It’s preferable to stay silent on social media while going through a divorce. If you need to vent, talk to a relative or close friend.
Rushing the process
Divorce can feel like a never-ending process. Between waiting for paperwork and developing a compromise that fits both parties, there can be a lot of waiting.
It may be tempting to try and rush things along, to get to the finish line. What many people don’t realize is how many details there are to discuss.
There will times when you want to fast-forward. Remain patient.
These are just a few of the common mistakes many Iowans make when going through a divorce.
Divorce isn’t pleasant. It can be a stressful experience for anyone. Try to avoid these mistakes to make the process go as smoothly as it can.
If you have any questions about divorce or family law in general, a skilled family law attorney can help.
