Rules for a Minimal-Stress, Minimal-Cost Divorce
by Sam R. Assini (Men's Rights Law Firm of Sam R. Assini)When you need a divorce lawyer, you want to keep the hours your lawyer spends on your case to a minimum, so you don’t have to spend more than you need to. Also, divorce and family law matters are very emotional and stressful, so you’ll also want to keep volatile situations from arising that will cause more stress. By sticking to these Do’s and Don’ts, you’ll be doing your part to reduce attorney fees, legal hassles and stressful situations.
Recommended Do’s and Don’ts for Divorce:
DO be reasonable and cooperate as much as possible with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. You’ll get results a lot faster and with a lot less stress if you can be reasonable in reaching a compromise. Your attorney can help you determine what is reasonable.
DO support your children financially and emotionally through this tough time. Position yourself as a reasonable and responsible parent who cares about his kids. If you and your spouse separate and the kids stay with your spouse, this will mean making support payments before the court finalizes a support order. Your attorney can help you calculate a reasonable amount to pay until the discovery process yields more information.
DO communicate with your spouse about where and when you’ll be spending time with your children prior to the final parenting plan. Demonstrating a willingness to cooperate and communicate with your spouse will put you in a better situation to negotiate the parenting plan in court.
DO ask your attorney about anything you don’t understand. It’s difficult to make a good decision when you don’t understand what’s at stake, so don’t be afraid to ask for clarification from your attorney. Legal matters can be confusing, especially something as emotional as divorce and family law matters. That’s what your attorney is for.
DON’T make major life changes during the divorce process. Events like getting involved with a girlfriend, getting engaged, taking a job in another state or moving to another state or country can interfere with the divorce process and delay its finalization. These events can also make it more difficult to negotiate a fair time sharing plan.
DON’T violate any temporary time sharing arrangements or court orders. Demonstrating an inability or unwillingness to follow court orders will put you at a disadvantage in court.
DON’T give away property to friends and relatives with the intent to get it back later. The court will view this as an attempt to hide assets from the court, which will put you at a disadvantage. In some cases the court may even charge you with committing fraud.
DON’T try to handle your divorce alone. The divorce process is very complicated and some of the rules have changed in recent years. By hiring a lawyer for your divorce proceedings, you stand a better chance of protecting your rights and getting the parenting and support settlements you’re entitled too.
