Even the most cordial of exes can experience stress during a divorce. There are particular connotations that come along with the word, including time, money, and custody issues. While you can’t ever really ‘prepare’ for divorce before it happens, there are a few actions that you can take to ensure that your interests are protected.
If you are facing a divorce, you may want to retain the legal counsel of an experienced Phoenix divorce lawyer at DeShon Laraye Pullen, PLC. Our legal care team can assist you in navigating the complexities of the divorce process as well as help you avoid detrimental mistakes. Contact us for your initial consultation by calling (602) 252-1968 or sending us a message via our online form.
As you continue your search for information and weigh your options, here are our top tips when it comes to avoiding common mistakes that people make during divorce. While the article below is purely informational, you should always direct your specific questions to a licensed Arizona attorney.
Mistake # 1: You Waited Too Long to File for Divorce
Ending a marriage is not a decision that one should make lightly. However, if we are being real, there is a point-of-no-return that every couple hits when they know it’s over. Unfortunately, things are comfortable, and if kids are involved, most people don’t want to rock the boat of a ‘well-adjusted life.’
The truth is that suffering through marriage is not a well-adjusted way of life. Resentments build, debts mount, and assets grow. The longer that couples delay the inevitable, the more complicated the divorce proceedings can become.
Mistake # 2. You Discussed Your Divorce via Social Media
We preach total abstinence from social media during divorce proceedings in Arizona. However, that isn’t doable or advisable for everyone. So, if you must remain ‘social’ while going through a divorce, the least you should do is never mention the details of your case online.
No good can come of bad-mouthing your ex or showing off the excessive amounts of money you are spending.
Before hitting the ‘post’ or ‘send’ button, think about how your words could come back to haunt you. These days, people who say they are your friends may not actually mean it. And they might even prove this assertion by screenshotting and sharing something you thought was utterly private.
Your written words are admissible as evidence. Resist the urge to put your opinions in writing, please.
Mistake # 3: You Tried to Conceal Shared Marital Assets
Arizona statutes require both spouses to disclose their marital and non-marital assets in their entirety. Some parties get a little too smart and attempt to transfer ownership of property and investments to avoid their disclosure in court.
This is a mythical loophole that does not work. You can be confident your soon-to-be-ex will mention your expensive car or large bank account you didn’t include in your financial disclosure forms. Leave your assets in your name and add them to your list instead of trying to cover them up.
Mistake # 4: You Forgot to Make Changes to Your Estate Planning Documents
A divorce doesn’t necessarily negate the language in place on your estate plan. An estate plan typically includes your last will and testament, health and financial directives, powers of attorney, and living trust. These are pretty sensitive documents that impact the future financial wealth of you and your family.
Plus, you should update these items so that your ex isn’t in charge of determining whether or not you should remain on life support.
Mistake # 5: You Didn’t Discuss Your Options with a Phoenix Divorce Lawyer
There are several missteps and pitfalls that one can take during a divorce. The consequences of which can affect several aspects regarding the outcome of your case. Whether you are a more economically stable spouse or not, there is more at stake than money and property. Divorcing couples must mitigate the stress of the process using a level head and retaining their own right to counsel.
Hiring a divorce attorney during an Arizona divorce case does not have to be a contentious thing. It’s a civil right afforded to both parties. When each party retains his or her separate counsel, there is a certain level of comfort in knowing that both of your rights are being protected.
There are checks and balances at this point. In short, you are hiring certainty that you, your ex, and the entire legal system is managing your case from a big-picture perspective.
Consider Hiring a Phoenix Divorce Lawyer at DeShon Laraye Pullen, PLC
You do not have to face the Arizona divorce process alone. Hire a Phoenix divorce lawyer that is going to provide you with due care that best represents your needs. You can reach the DeShon Laraye Pullen, PLC, office to arrange for an initial consultation by calling (602) 252-1968 or sending us a message via our contact form.
