Learning About Divorce

If you are getting ready to file for divorce, then it's important you protect your interests and do everything you can to ensure your success in court. If you know this to be the case but aren't sure where to start, here are some tips to get you started:

Tip: Stop All Unnecessary Written Communications with Your Ex

If your ex gets on your last nerve and you lash out with a nasty email or text message, this needs to stop immediately. While it may feel good at the time, any written communication can be taken out of context and come back to haunt you at a later date. Swap information about the kids and send all other issues through your lawyers until the divorce is final. 

Tip: Don't Talk About Your Divorce Case with Your Children

While you may understand it is considered parental alienation to speak badly about your ex to your children, you may not have considered the ramifications of talking about your divorce in their presence. From the day you separate from your ex, make the effort to purposefully avoid talking about the divorce with your kids. The only information appropriate for them is where they will be staying and other things that pertain specifically to their lives.

Tip: Consistently Demonstrate a Willingness to Settle Your Case Out of Court

When your divorce case finally gets in front of a judge, one of the first things they will want to know is what you and your ex did to try and settle your case out of court. If you can show a paper trail of attempts to make a reasonable settlement based on the best interests of your child, this will be favorable for you. Even if your ex shows no willingness to work it out whatsoever, keep trying and if nothing else use the paper trail to your advantage in court.

Tip: Have Your Family Law Attorney Explain the Laws Pertaining to Your Case and Its Expected Timeline

When you meet with a family law attorney and decide to retain their services, ask them to clearly explain the laws pertaining to your divorce case and its expected timeline until completion. This is important so you will have a clear understanding of how your divorce will progress and how long you should expect it to take. Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to relax and let the process take its course while your lawyer handles the legal stuff for you.