Just as getting married becomes one of the most emotional experiences of your life, the same is true of getting divorced. During your emotional upheaval, it becomes easy to make blunders.
WTOP News explores common divorce mistakes. Know what to be aware of so you do not unintentionally sabotage the next chapter of your life.
Unreasonable expectations for life after divorce
While you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse could afford to live in your marital home together with two incomes, that may not be true when you no longer have another person’s income to help pay for homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, household maintenance and the like. Think about whether it makes sense for you to fight for the marital home with your current income. If you have children, this lifestyle change could impact them, too. Look at your budget and sole income to see what post-divorce lifestyle changes you need to make.
Failing to consider the road ahead in the settlement
You hope for the most favorable outcome, but you cannot predict the future of your life after divorce. You could earn a promotion, or you may unexpectedly find yourself without a job. Take this sense of uncertainty into account with your settlement. Speak with professionals to determine what kind of language to include in your settlement that handles a sudden change of financial circumstances for you or your soon-to-be-ex-spouse.
Overlooking the finer points of divorce
Try not to lose track of the minor details of divorce. For instance, set up all child and spousal support payments on an automatic payment plan, and keep track of all costs you and your current spouse share. By engaging with the details, you do not spend more than you should post-divorce.
Set yourself up for success during and after your divorce. Knowing the locations of common divorce landmines allows you to avoid them.
