Navigating a divorce is one of the most stressful events that an individual can experience. It is easy for emotions to take over, adding to the tension and contention that can arise during these legal cases. There are plenty of mistakes that can harm your chances for a positive outcome. A skilled Chicago divorce attorney can help you stay mindful of these potential problems and keep you informed on how and when to avoid them.
A simple mistake can end up costing you and negatively impact your case. Although deep and difficult emotions often stir during this process, it is easy to let them take over your actions, resulting in both physical and financial consequences. At Stange Law Firm, we can provide you with the advocacy you deserve during this difficult and trying time.
When pursuing a Chicago divorce case, it is critical to avoid several common problems that can arise:
Letting Emotions Affect Your Actions
When actions are done out of anger, hurt, or guilt, they can lead you to make certain decisions that will hurt your divorce case. Of course, these emotions make sense during this time, but it is wise that you do not let them overrule your ability to act and think rationally. Decisions and actions made purely on the basis of an emotion typically have long-lasting consequences.
Common actions that a person can carry out due to their heightened emotions are:
- Wasting time and energy on fighting for things that they don’t actually want or even need in the divorce
- Prolonging the divorce unnecessarily, which can actually have negative financial and emotional consequences
Refusing to Cooperate or Communicate With Your Spouse
If you want to avoid as much stress as possible during this process, you will have to learn to compromise with your spouse. You most likely will not receive everything you want out of your divorce settlement. It is wise to know when to fight and when to have an open conversation about potential compromises.
The smoothest divorce proceedings typically happen when the divorcing couple can communicate with each other. As long as there is no concern for your safety, maintaining an open line of honest and clear communication, while still setting and maintaining boundaries, is paramount to the success of your divorce case. It may even help you save the time and costs involved in a lengthy court battle.
Hiding Assets
Even if you feel as though your spouse is trying to hide things from you, try to remain open and honest on all things, including assets. It is not in your interest to hide or fail to disclose any marital assets, as doing so will just end up costing you more time and money. It can also negatively impact your chances for a positive outcome.
Hiding assets and lying about them in court can actually cause you to lose important grounds that you might have needed for a successful outcome for your case. It can also potentially see you facing criminal charges of fraud. It may even negatively impact any agreements or settlements that you have already made in your divorce case.
Speaking Poorly About Your Spouse to Your Children
If you are in the midst of a divorce, you are likely feeling angry, hurt, and frustrated because of your spouse’s actions. You might feel tempted to speak badly about them in front of and to your children. However, you should actually avoid doing so at all costs. Talking badly about your spouse to or in front of your children can actually harm your case, as it can do the following:
- Hurt your children, bringing them into the conflict between you and your spouse.
- Hurt your future custody rights. The courts can consider the role that each parent will have in the upbringing of their children. It will look at the interest of the child rather than the interest of the parent.
If you need to vent and rage about your divorce proceedings, this is understandable. Just ensure that you do so with adults you can trust while your children are not around.
Not Retaining an Experienced Divorce Lawyer
One of the biggest mistakes that a divorcing spouse can face is not hiring a divorce lawyer to assist them through these complicated legal matters. An experienced Chicago divorce lawyer can offer their knowledge and understanding of the law to ensure that you receive what you are due in your divorce case. They can fight for and protect your interests as they negotiate or litigate on your behalf.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Charge in Chicago, Illinois?
A: In Illinois, it can be difficult to assign an exact estimate of how much a divorce lawyer might charge. This is because there can be several factors involved that impact the final cost analysis in these cases. These can include the complexity of the case, your spouse’s willingness to cooperate, and the experience of your attorney.
Q: What Should You Avoid Discussing With Your Spouse During the Divorce Process?
A: During a divorce, you will most likely have some contact and communication with your spouse. In fact, keeping an open and clear line of communication is wise unless there are concerns for your safety. It is important that you avoid any name-calling, yelling, belittling speech, sarcasm, or other forms of negative speech.
Q: Can I Post to Social Media During My Chicago Divorce Proceedings?
A: It is wise, in most cases, to keep your social media activity to a minimum during your divorce proceedings. This is because anything you post to social media during this time can be brought to court and used against your case. Things to avoid posting are any status posts, messages, or photos about your divorce itself. You should also avoid posting anything that might be used to prove your irresponsibility, especially in cases involving custody battles.
Q: How Can I Support Myself Emotionally During My Divorce?
A: During the divorce process, emotions can run high. It is important to have an outlet to let these emotions escape, preferably in a safe environment where they cannot be used against you. It is important to find a support system, be it friends, family, or a professional counselor, who can listen to you and offer guidance and support. Likewise, you might be able to find a divorce support group in your local area.
Speak With a Trusted Chicago Divorce Lawyer Today
There are plenty of mistakes that can be made during divorce proceedings. Thankfully, working with a trusted Chicago divorce lawyer can help prevent these missteps, allowing your divorce proceedings to go as smoothly and quickly as possible. Stange Law Firm of Chicago is ready to review your case and answer any legal questions you might have. Contact our offices today, and let’s discuss how we can assist you.
