Divorce: Do Not Try This at Home

If your marriage is coming to an end, you may be overwhelmed with doubts about how to proceed. Your spouse may suggest that you save money and file your own divorce papers. For your mental health and financial well-being, do not blindly acquiesce to your spouse’s request.

In some states, you can take your divorce into your own hands by filing certain forms with the court. However, even if you and your spouse will be filing for an uncontested divorce, it is likely in your best interest to consult help with Texas divorce mediation first. There are so many unknowns.

You Don’t Know How You Will Feel

Your divorce may begin amicably but become contentious as old hurts resurface. In contrast, you may be too agreeable, hoping for reconciliation. You may find yourself making decisions based on emotion rather than reason. It helps to have an objective third party standing by you.

You Don’t Know What Your Spouse May Be Hiding

Honesty is crucial to a marriage, and you may think you can trust your spouse even as you split up. However, when it comes time to divide your marital property, your spouse may be tempted to be dishonest.

Your spouse may hide assets in an attempt to achieve a better settlement. Undervaluing assets is another common tactic. Some possessions are difficult to assess accurately, such as privately held businesses, offshore accounts and art collections. If you disagree on the value of such assets, you may need the help of an objective professional.

In the other extreme, your spouse may have debt you do not know about, or may be squandering assets now to avoid splitting them with you. Discovering financial secrets can instantly derail your amicable divorce.

You Don’t Know What the Future May Bring

Divorcing couples often want the marriage — and the divorce — to be over quickly. You may find yourself tempted to give your spouse whatever it takes to bring proceedings to an end, but rushing rarely leads to good decisions.

If you initiated the divorce, guilt may prompt you to forgo some of the financial benefits you will need in the future. For example, you deserve fair compensation for your share of the marital home and may be entitled to a portion of your spouse’s retirement funds. Financial missteps now can haunt you for years. If children are involved, they may end up paying for your lack of foresight.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

Ultimately, divorce is too important to do badly. There is no reason to navigate these unfamiliar waters alone. Finding a professional you can trust can save you months of stress and years of regret.