What is the biggest mistake you can avoid making during a California divorce? Getting a divorce is challenging, difficult, and often highly emotional. People who are involved with divorce proceedings often experience a range of emotions from anger to guilt to sadness and grief. While this emotional rollercoaster is understandable, it can also have lasting impacts on the individuals, families, and health of loved ones. As you go through the divorce process, consider how to make sound decisions that will have a positive impact on the rest of your life.
If you are seeking insights to avoid common mistakes during divorce in California, talk with an experienced divorce lawyer to get your questions answered today.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce Proceedings
Mistake #1: Getting Revenge In a California Divorce
It is easy to imagine that getting angry and acting out revenge will feel good. However, it can be costly and dangerous. Acting irrationally may result in decisions that can negatively impact you and your loved ones.
Seeking professional advice such as from a lawyer, therapist, or advisor may help you make wise and rational decisions.
Mistake #2: Not Disclosing Assets in California
Failure to disclose assets is illegal and can hurt your case in court. In California, Family Code FAM § 2100 requires full disclosure of assets. California is considered a community property state. If you do not identify separate properties, they may be included in common property and distributed 50/50. It is advisable to speak to an experienced California attorney to determine the distribution of assets.
Mistake #3: Going Solo in California Divorce Proceedings
If you are relying on the advice of friends and family, you put yourself at risk. Well-meaning personal advisors often do not have legal training or expertise. They are not prepared to help you with the division of shared properties, custody, and child support. Divorce can have a significant impact on your life, especially if children are involved. A legal expert can help you avoid mistakes during the process.
Mistake #4: Just Getting it Over With
Getting the divorce finalized is important. However, settling for a one-sided agreement just to ‘be over and done’ with it, is an all-too-common mistake. Although you may be tempted to settle, there are critical issues such as dividing assets, agreeing on custody, and defining alimony. Do not commit to a one-sided agreement just to finish. Get expert advice on your California divorce.
Mistake #5: Hiding Information From Your California Divorce Lawyer
Failing to disclose information can hurt your case. It is essential to be open and transparent about all property, assets, and debts. If you do not share information with your attorney, he or she will not have all the facts of your case to represent you fairly. Information you disclose to your lawyer is confidential, as defined by California Evidence Code; EVID § 954.
Mistake #6: Making Verbal Agreements in California Divorce
To arrive at solutions, it can be tempting to have an oral conversation and make an informal agreement. Verbal agreements can be difficult to enforce. Make an effort to put every agreement in writing.
Mistake #7: Letting Go of Control in a California Divorce
Failing to take control is an all too common mistake. Do not allow yourself to get swayed by the opinions of well-meaning friends, parents, or family. Take charge of the process. Talk with your attorney and be clear about your priorities.
Mistake #8: Failing to Hire Your Own California Divorce Attorney
Many spouses continue to believe that they are working towards the same goals and therefore do not need to have two attorneys. A common mistake is to let your spouse convince you that this is a good idea, to save money and time. Hire your own attorney to represent your unique interests. This is the smartest way to make sure that you are entering into a divorce agreement that reflects what you want.
Get in Touch With a California Divorce Attorney
If you are concerned about avoiding mistakes during divorce proceedings in California, the Law Offices of David M. Lederman is here to help. We are here to guide you through the difficult divorce process. If you have any questions about divorce in Antioch, Moraga, and across Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano Counties, please get in touch. We are happy to talk with you. Call 925-522-8889 or send an email to set up a consultation. We are happy to discuss child custody, support, or other divorce-related issues in California.