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  • By: Robert Greenberg, Esq.
  • Published: October 21, 2024
Lawyer advising clients on filing for divorce, with a gavel and legal documents on the table

Filing for divorce is a complex process that can have long-lasting emotional and financial consequences. Unfortunately, many people make avoidable mistakes that complicate their case and hurt their future. In this guide, we’ll cover the top six mistakes people make when filing for divorce and provide insights on how to avoid them, ensuring a smoother transition and a more secure outcome for your future.

In this article, you can discover…

  • How joint debts can lead to complications during divorce.
  • The role of wise social media use in divorce proceedings.
  • The benefits of effective communication with an attorney throughout your divorce. 

1. Failing To Consider The Long-Term Impact Of Your Decisions During Divorce

Looking ahead to the future is always a wise idea when facing divorce. This doesn’t simply include weeks or months ahead but years ahead, as well. Your long-term relationship with your children, ex-spouse as a co-parent and relationship with extended family are all things to consider.

Likewise, the financial impact of divorce needs to be considered. Who gets the house post-divorce, your long-term living arrangements and general financial outlook after assets are divided are all important. 

A good family law attorney can help you answer these questions, plan for the future, and understand how various options will impact you in the years to come. 

2. Neglecting To Address Joint Debts

One of the major issues the Court has to deal with during a divorce is marital debt. Many couples have a debt that they’re both obligated to, such as a mortgage or shared credit card debt. It’s not uncommon for there to be tensions in a marriage over spending habits, with one party spending much more than the other and getting both parties into more debt. It is also not uncommon for the other spouse to feel as though this is not their problem and that they shouldn’t have to pay off debt they didn’t create. But a Court may not see it that way. 

Resolving joint debts with your spouse will be a part of the divorce process. Getting the debt resolved is an important part of moving forward without financial ties to your former spouse, giving you more personal and financial freedom. 

3. Avoiding Major Financial Decisions During Divorce

Generally, it’s not a good idea to make major purchases (such as land or a house) while going through a divorce, as those purchases are likely to become marital assets and subject to division. 

It’s also important for your attorney to have a clear, stable picture of your personal and marital assets as the divorce moves forward. Sometimes, clients assume that simply because they’re no longer living with a spouse, they can buy a property and not have it count as a marital asset, and that’s simply not true. 

It’s best to make sure your assets are fixed until the divorce is finalized; failing to do this can allow the other party to lay claim to your new purchase and further complicate the divorce. 

Greenberg Legal Group LLC

Attorney Robert Greenberg is a caring family law attorney serving Maryland. For many years, he’s helped clients just like you successfully navigate divorce, make wiser decisions, and come through a divorce with better prospects and peace of mind.

Have questions, or in need of quality representation? Reach out to Greenberg Legal Group LLC at (410) 650-4242 today.

4. Using Social Media Negatively

Social media, if not used carefully and responsibly, can have a truly detrimental impact on your divorce case. Many people post things online without thinking that other people may see those posts and use that material against them.

Social media posts often come up in custody hearings. It’s easy to post something that you think is funny or harmless, but objectively, it may not paint you in the best light as a parent. Before you post, share, or comment, reflect on whether or not this is something you would want the Judge or the other party’s attorney to see and do your best to keep social media activity minimal. 

5. Taking Legal Advice From Friends And Family

While it’s normal to seek advice from family and friends on a day-to-day basis, you should never take legal advice from your loved ones, however well-meaning that advice may be.

Usually, your friends and family are not attorneys. They will most likely not have the same knowledge of the law or the experience to know what a Judge will consider when making their ruling.

Secondly, simply because your sibling’s or friend’s divorce went a certain way doesn’t mean that your divorce will unfold in the same manner. Every case is different and it’s never a good idea to look at another person’s divorce and use that as a template for what to do. 

Always consult with a family law attorney when seeking advice before and during your divorce. An experienced family law attorney will look at your specific case, help you understand possible outcomes, and work to guide you practically and legally toward what is best for you, your children, and your future. 

6. Failing To Communicate Effectively With Your Attorney

In order to do a good job and represent you effectively, your attorney needs to know all relevant details about your life and case. This means being honest and sharing all information with your lawyer, whether you feel that information paints you in a good light, a neutral light, or a negative light.

When your attorney is developing a strategy to help you through the divorce, they need to understand your weaknesses as well as your strengths. This will help your attorney know how to counter the other party’s accusations and claims accurately and clearly. 

Remember, anything you tell your lawyer is protected by attorney-client privilege and will not be disclosed to others. Hiding things from your lawyer leaves them unprepared to respond once those details come out in court, and this lack of preparation can only hurt your case. 

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started? 

For more information on The Mistakes People Make When Filing For Divorce, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (410) 650-4242 today.

Greenberg Legal Group LLC

Attorney Robert Greenberg is a caring family law attorney serving Maryland. For many years, he’s helped clients just like you successfully navigate divorce, make wiser decisions, and come through a divorce with better prospects and peace of mind.

Have questions, or in need of quality representation? Reach out to Greenberg Legal Group LLC at (410) 650-4242 today.

Robert Greenberg Esq.
Robert Greenberg is an experienced family law and civil
litigator serving clients across the State of Maryland.
Contact Us - (410) 650-4242
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