Everyone’s divorce is a little bit different. Marriages end for different reasons, at different times in the couple’s lives, and oftentimes, those involved must divide different kinds of assets.
That said, there are some steps to avoid taking before calling a divorce attorney. These common mistakes will make it more difficult to protect your interests in court and generally will make divorces messier.
The Huffington Post detailed some common mistakes that people make while they are considering a divorce. To discuss your case specifically, contact Elliot Green Law Offices.
We have the experience and knowledge necessary to answer all of your questions and represent your interests in court. Call Us At 718-260-8668 Today!
Here are two mistakes that you should try hard not to make:
1. Decreasing Your Working Hours Or Quitting Your Job Before Filing For Divorce
There are countless cases of spouses deciding to take lower-paying jobs or quitting altogether, because they think that it will help them when the divorce case rolls around. Usually, this occurs when one spouse is a stay-at-home parent, and the other is the sole provider for the family. The sole provider might think that taking some time off of work will help him or her dodge child payments or obtain entitlement to a higher percentage of the assets, but often, it hurts the case.
The court calls that practice “willful unemployment,” and judges have seen it enough times to recognize it. In fact, it has become such a problem that courts now have laws set up to deal with the matter. In many cases, judges are able to base child-support and alimony payments on a spouse’s last three years of earning history.
2. Filing For Divorce Before Organizing Your Finances
It’s important to create a record of your finances and your assets before you file for divorce. Be sure to list your assets, get a copy of your credit reports and financial records and establish a separate checking account to ensure that you quickly can become independent.
One word of caution, though—don’t try to hoard, hide or quickly spend any of your assets. Your spouse will know, and the court will discover it, which can severely weaken your case.
It also might be wise to meet with a financial planner to understand your options moving forward. You might not fight as hard for the house if you learn that you can’t afford the refinancing costs that are required to get it into your name.
If you are considering a divorce, you will want to find an attorney that can provide strong representation and practical advice based on experience. We have years of experience in Brooklyn divorce courts, and we will put that experience to work for you. Call Us At 718-260-8668 Today!
