Divorce is never easy, but the wrong moves can make it even harder. When emotions run high and the stakes are personal, it’s easy to make decisions that could hurt your case or your future. From financial missteps to communication breakdowns, the consequences of these mistakes can linger long after the divorce is final. Keep reading as our Nassau County divorce attorneys break down the most common pitfalls people face during divorce—and how you can avoid them.
Top Mistakes in a Nassau County Divorce Proceeding and How to Avoid Them
You are not alone if you make a mistake during your divorce case. Being represented by an experienced divorce lawyer can help you avoid some of these mistakes. Things to avoid when you are going through a divorce include:
Acting Out of Guilt, Revenge, or Anger
Emotions can cloud your judgment and cause you to make poor decisions. Unfortunately, when you allow your emotions to impact your decisions during a divorce, the result can be catastrophic. Seeking the aid of an experienced family law attorney can help you make decisions based on sound advice. Your attorney sees the bigger picture, often from a more rational perspective.
Refusing to Be Flexible and Reasonable
Very few divorces end with both parties receiving everything they desire in the divorce settlement. Working with your attorney to prioritize your goals for a divorce can help you negotiate a fair settlement that is in your best interest. You identify the issues that are not as important to you, so you can use those issues to compromise on the terms that are most important to you.
Failing to Be Honest With Your Attorney
There may be details about your marriage that are embarrassing for you. However, leaving out details and information when you consult with your attorney could have devastating consequences. Your attorney cannot provide the best representation for you unless you are open and honest with them about all issues related to your divorce.
Making Side Agreements During the Divorce
You and your spouse may be on good terms. However, making agreements with your estranged spouse outside your attorney’s knowledge is unwise. Your spouse may change their mind or use your discussions against you. While effective communication is required to co-parent, all agreements should go through your lawyer.
Not Obtaining Quality Legal Advice
Legal advice during a divorce proceeding protects your best interests. However, you need to hire an attorney with experience in divorce cases in Nassau County. When you hire an experienced lawyer, do not take advice from anyone other than your attorney. Taking advice from well-meaning friends and family members could result in an undesirable divorce decree.
Failing to Update Your Estate Plan
A vital step to take after a divorce is updating your estate plan. You need a new will reflecting your new wishes. You may also need to change your power of attorney, beneficiaries, and healthcare directives. Before making changes during a divorce, talk with your divorce lawyer, as those changes could be seen as trying to transfer assets during a divorce.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Our Nassau County Divorce Attorneys
Navigating divorce proceedings can be challenging. Our Nassau County family law attorneys at Kohan Law Group, P.C. can help. Our lawyers have extensive experience assisting clients with divorces in New York. Contact our office to speak with an attorney about your situation.