Divorce is never easy. Handling the administrative tasks, relocating to a new home, and negotiating the terms of the divorce can be exhausting. Although divorce is emotionally challenging, it is important to remember that ending a marriage is a legal process. A small oversight can threaten your personal or financial interests. This is why hiring a family law attorney is usually a wise decision – even if your marriage is ending amicably. Men, in particular, are prone to making four critical mistakes during the divorce process:
- Offering to leave the family home;
- Losing their temper;
- Hiding information about finances;
- And bragging about a new girlfriend.
If you are considering divorce in Michigan, contact Gordon & Hess, PLC. Daniel B. Hess Jr. is a Grand Rapids family law attorney who can represent your interests. The lawyers Gordon & Hess, PLC are state-approved mediators. Schedule a free half-hours consultation today by calling 616-369-7452. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about divorce laws. Here are four mistakes that men should avoid during the divorce process:
- Offering to Leave the Family Home
Volunteering to leave the family home may seem like a commendable gesture, but it can cause problems. Your valuables and personal items may “disappear.” Also, your spouse can file for an Order for Exclusive Occupancy, which would prevent you from returning to the home during the divorce proceedings. You can relocate for a short period of time without losing your equity in the house; however, leaving for an extended timeframe will increase the likelihood that you lose your equity share. Also, you may still have to pay for part or all of the household bills. Finally, leaving the family home could threaten your ability to win custody of the children.
- Losing Their Temper
Asset division, spousal support, child custody and other divorce matters can lead to heated debates. However, you should never lose your temper. If you say or do something that could harm your children or wife, then you will put yourself in a precarious position when entering negotiations, as Men’s Fitness explains. Avoid contacting your spouse unless it is an emergency. Never send an offensive text or email because it may be admissible in court.
- Hiding Information about Finances
Perhaps the most important reason to hire a family law attorney is to protect your financial interests. If you are your family’s primary source of income, then it may be tempting to hide money and assets, but this can lead to legal troubles.
- Bragging about a New Girlfriend
Bragging about a new girlfriend may seem justified depending on the reason for your divorce, but this is a bad idea. Your ex may retaliate by pursuing a large financial payout. As difficult as this may sound, it is best to avoid any behaviors that could upset your ex during the divorce process. If you have questions about child custody, prenuptial agreements, spousal support or other family law matters, contact Gordon & Hess, PLC. A divorce lawyer in Grand Rapids will help you avoid mistakes and fight for a positive outcome to your case. Call 616-369-7452 today to schedule a free consultation.
