ERRORS YOU SHOULD AVOID MAKING DURING A DIVORCE

Errors you should avoid making during a divorce

Louisiana couples often make things worse during a divorce through their actions. These self-inflicted wounds can make finalizing a divorce much more difficult than it needs to be. Here are a few common mistakes you should avoid making during the process.

Do not stop talking

It is natural to want to stop talking to the person you are divorcing. After all, something had to have happened to cause the end of your marriage. However, cutting off communication because of anger increases the chance that your case may end up in litigation. If possible, it is best to talk directly without lawyers in the middle because it is cheaper and less formal.

Do not be unrealistic financially

You must understand that your spouse will want his or her portion of the marital estate. The court insists on an equitable distribution between two spouses, so you will likely not get everything that you want. In the end, you may need to make some tough choices, but expecting too much will get you into trouble.

Do not overlook taxes

You may incur tax obligations when certain property is sold. Alternatively, you may inherit this debt when you take over some of the marital estate. There may be capital gains built in that you need to pay. Make sure that you account for this when valuing the property and negotiating or else, you may get hit with a large tax bill in the future.

One way to stay informed and learn of the possible pitfalls that await you is to retain a family law attorney. A lawyer could give you advice ahead of time about what things may cause you trouble. Moreover, he or she may provide you with counsel that reins you in if you are letting your emotions take over amid negotiations. If you are uninformed or unaware, you run a greater risk of causing yourself problems during the divorce.