Divorce can be complex and emotionally draining to all parties involved. Frustration and heartbreak may cause us to act uncharacteristically or make decisions based on our feelings instead of rationality, causing a strain in the divorce proceedings and in the relationships with loved ones.
The following are the biggest divorce mistakes that can jeopardize the outcome of your case:
- Bad-mouthing your soon-to-be ex-spouse. When you demonize your ex publicly, it can result in a hotly contested divorce process which may involve court litigation, which can be time and financially consuming. If you have children, bad-mouthing the other parent can be both harmful and traumatizing.
- Forcing your children to take sides. As a parent, the last thing you want to do is cause your children any pain. Unfortunately, the way you act during a divorce can make matters worse the kids. Forcing them to prove their love to you by defying the other parent can cause significant emotional damage. You must remind your children that both of their parents love them and will always be there for them.
- Jumping into the dating scene. Divorce can be both stressful and lonely, which is why many people find comfort or feel “alive” again when they get involved in a new romantic relationship. However, it is not a smart decision to do so because you are not ready to give another person what they deserve in a relationship. Bringing in someone new into your children’s lives can cause emotional strain on them. Use this time to rebuild your sense of self and get a fresh new start apart from the other party.
- Refusing to undergo mediation. Attempting to come to a compromise, let alone being in the same room as the other party, can be quite challenging. However, fleshing out the terms of the divorce agreement through mediation can save you both time and money. Not only can mediation help you find a creative solution which both parties can agree on, you may also discover that you and your spouse can continue to work together after divorce, especially if you have children.
If you are interested in filing for divorce in Central or Northern California, contact our Rocklin divorce attorneys at the Myers Family Law and schedule a consultation today. More than 25 years of collective legal experience on your side!