Top Ten Divorce Mistakes
Denver, Boulder Divorce Lawyers
Divorce is never a pleasant process, no matter how well the two parties may get along. Unfortunately, mistakes made during the divorce process have ramifications which can last for years. And in the case of a hostile divorce, those negative ramifications can be magnified exponentially.
Here are the top ten most common mistakes made during a divorce:
1) An ignorance of your spouse's total assets and debts
In many marriages, one spouse is primarily responsible for most of the finances. Often, this means the other spouse may be "in the dark" regarding their total, collective financial situation.
2) Settling your case in a hurry, for unfavorable terms
This is true in situations where the divorce is especially painful and emotional. One or both parties may wish to simply get on with their lives as soon as possible. However, the long-term financial consequences of rushing through a divorce can be devastating, and the impact on your "new life" can be far-reaching.
3) Hiring a lawyer who isn't a good fit for you personally
Because divorce is such an emotional, personal experience, you need a lawyer who you feel comfortable talking to. Often, intense personal feelings can cloud your judgment - you want a lawyer who you can safely discuss sometimes intimate issues with.
4) Taking advice from lay people
Matters such as alimony and child support are determined via a mathematical scale devised by the Colorado legislature. This means that what one person is awarded is often very different from what another person has been awarded. There is no "set rate" for alimony and child support - so it's pointless to compare these numbers with those of your friends, family, etc.
5) Becoming bogged down in minor details
Many times spouses become obsessed with minor household items - heirlooms, for instance - which have little real-world value. While items can hold high emotional value, it's best to not become distracted by individual assets. Rather, a view of the larger financial picture is what will affect you most in the long-term.
6) An aversion to paying alimony
The idea of paying your spouse a monthly stipend - even after the divorce is finalized - is distasteful to many people. However, in the long-run, alimony is often less of a financial burden than many types of child support. Your lawyer will be able to provide you with more details but, in general, it's best to approach the idea of alimony with an open mind.
7) Failing to file a modification with the court
If any change in alimony, child support or child visitation is made, it's always a good idea to formalize the change by filing a modification with the court, just in case a discrepancy later materializes.
8) Titling separate property in both parties' names
Anything in both spouses' names is legally considered to be owned by both spouses. If you enter into a marriage with personal assets or property, you may want to think twice before transferring co-ownership of that property to your spouse.
9) Failing to be specific regarding "parenting time"
When it comes to shared custody of a child, the more specific you are initially regarding which parent gets to do what when, the less likely you will encounter problems down the line.
10) Failing to keep records of child support payments
As time marches on, it's easy to become lax regarding the proper recording of payments received. But if there's a problem at some point, having a paper trail regarding past payments can be invaluable.
Contact us today for more information and a free consultation
Greater Denver metro area and Colorado divorce lawyers.
Hull and Zimmerman, P.C.
2921 W. 120th Ave., Ste 220
Westminster, Colorado 80234
Phone: 303-423-1770
Fax: 303-423-2102
Toll Free: 1-866-385-3505
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