The process of going through a divorce is often complicated, as it is emotional and requires many different parts. One important part of a divorce that spouses usually do not consider is their own personal actions throughout the proceedings. A person’s behavior and actions during a divorce have the potential to affect the outcome of their divorce. In order to know what you should and should not do during this time, Ross & Calandrillo, LLC compiled a list of the “do’s and don’ts” of divorce. Continue reading below to learn more and contact our firm for guidance during this time.
What Should I Do?
All spouses want the best case scenario of their divorce proceedings. In order to help the process go as smoothly as possible, it is important to engage in the following:
- Change passwords to all email accounts and social media sites
- Disclose all assets and liabilities when filling out your inventory
- Be aware of the household budget and expenses
- Collect your last two tax returns, real estate deeds, and mortgage documents
- Examine your credit history and get a credit report
- Know the total balance on any joint checking and savings bank accounts
- Know the balance on your retirement plans, 401(k), pension plan, etc.
- Get a copy of your spouse’s last two paycheck stubs
- Seek out a CPA or accountant to help review the tax implications of your divorce
- Seek help for any alcohol or illegal substance abuse
- Keep a journal to document the exchange and pick up of any children you have
- Keep any copies of money paid to your spouse
- Be sure to pay your child support on time
- Maintain good co-parenting practices with your spouse
- Comply with any court-ordered injunctions and restrictions
What Should I Not Do?
There are also certain things a spouse can do that have a chance of hurting the outcome of your proceedings. This can include the following actions:
- Keep things from your attorney
- Post anything on social media that can be used against you
- Post information regarding your divorce on social media
- Withhold visitation from your spouse for their failure to make child support payments
- Move out of state with your children
- Start another romantic relationship during the proceedings
- Bring a new significant other around your children or the court hearings
- Get pregnant or get anyone pregnant
- Remove children from their current school
- Buy real estate or any extravagant items while the divorce is pending
- Sell property without the court’s permission
- Send mean or negative emails, texts, messages, etc. to your spouse
- Increase your debt while the divorce is pending
- Give large contributions to anyone during the proceedings
- Discuss the case with your children or use them as intermediaries
- Criticize your spouse in front of your children
Contact our Firm
Ross and Calandrillo, LLC is a full-service divorce, family, and real estate law firm located in Mountainside, New Jersey. For strong legal representation in all of your divorce or family law matters, contact Ross and Calandrillo, LLC to schedule a consultation.
