Divorce can be an incredibly overwhelming experience. Michigan’s a no-fault divorce state, but that doesn’t mean your divorce will be easy or trouble-free every step of the way. Couples are usually led by their emotions and those often overrule common sense in legal and financial issues. As a result, unnecessary fights, forgotten details, and extended divorce time and expenses often ensue. There may be no real way to avoid the emotional turmoil and distress associated with a failed marriage. But the following tips can help you avoid divorce mistakes and help with the transition into a happier and healthier future for both sides.
Don’t Lose Control of Yourself or Forget to Use Common Sense
It’s easy to lose control of yourself during a divorce and get caught up in the whirlwind of expectations and requirements. In fact, sometimes it may feel like you might as well just nod and sign anything put in front of you. Don’t you dare do it! Breathe, give your brain a rest, and then use common sense. Hire pros that will work for you, stay on a budget, and work smart. The rest will come together before you know it.
Avoid Acting Out of Anger
No-fault marriage is intended to ease the divorce process, but emotions are still often high. That’s no reason to attack your soon-to-be-ex, however. There are some serious issues worth fighting for such as custodial disputes when safety or welfare are concerns or joint business or property splits. But those should be done in private or with a mediator to avoid adding onto your divorce rates. Remember each minute you’re fighting with your estranged partner in front of your Michigan divorce attorney is costing you money. A fight or court battle won’t stick it to your ex. All it will do is extend your divorce time. So enlist a therapist if necessary to help you get everything out, but keep a cool head in court.
Don’t Make Decisions too Quickly
It’s common to want to get through the entire divorce ordeal quickly and as painlessly as possible. Bringing a friend who’s recently been through it all or just nodding or letting someone do everything for you may sound great at first. But you need to know all the options ahead of you and the implications of making the wrong choices. After all, these decisions really will impact the rest of your life.
Don’t Let Your Divorce Get Away From You
A Michigan divorce can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year, depending on the marital situation. But you need to stay in control of every aspect of the process. That doesn’t mean you need to understand every legal term or legality but make sure your lawyer is working for you, not against you. Stay in control and remember you are the client. If things spiral out of control, you’ll be the one paying for it in the end.
Don’t Even Think About Settling
The details and outcome of your divorce help pave the road to your future. There’s no reason to gouge your spouse, but there’s also no reason to settle. You need to consider and plan out what you’ll reasonably need to live a comfortable future without the extra financial security your ex helped provide when living together. Have some ideas going into your divorce and your Michigan divorce attorney can help ensure you won’t have to settle for too little or commit to too much.