{"id":2366,"date":"2019-03-20T00:00:28","date_gmt":"2019-03-20T00:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fdfamilylaw.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=2366"},"modified":"2023-04-26T16:17:19","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T16:17:19","slug":"5-common-divorce-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fdfamilylaw.com\/5-common-divorce-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Common Divorce Mistakes"},"content":{"rendered":"
Getting a divorce takes a long time in the state of Maryland.\u00a0 During that time, you may feel anxious, depressed, angry, excited, filled with dread, filled with anticipation, or, most likely, a combination of emotions.\u00a0 Some of these emotions can be inconsistent with each other, yet still experienced \u2013 sometimes on the same day.\u00a0 While experiencing a multitude of intense emotions, people sometimes make decisions that don\u2019t truly serve them in the long run.\u00a0 Avoiding commonly made bad decisions can protect you from wasting time, spending more than is necessary on litigation, emotional costs, and other negative fallout.\n

Fighting for Fighting\u2019s Sake<\/h2>\n

Everyone\u2019s divorce is different.\u00a0 But hurt feelings and feelings of betrayal often accompany a divorce.\u00a0 In many cases, both parties feel they have been wronged by the other.\u00a0 However, fighting just to hurt the other party is not productive, it is time-consuming, and it is expensive.\u00a0 Here are some proactive tips to reduce the amount of fighting during the divorce.\u00a0 If the sound of his voice sends you into the stratosphere, consider communicating by text or email.\u00a0 Maybe you find you reflexively say \u201cno\u201d to absolutely every proposed resolution she has.\u00a0 In this case, consider asking your attorney for their neutral opinion on the nature and quality of the offer.\u00a0 If you find yourself wanting to revisit the past and rehash choices already made, stop.\u00a0 Just stop.\u00a0 This is not a productive use of your time.\u00a0 If you want to complain to your sister, go ahead.\u00a0 But limit your discussions with your soon to be ex to things that are important today.\u00a0 This might include discussing parenting time schedules, or the sale of the house.\u00a0 Revisiting who cheated on whom, or why, is a rabbit hole best avoided altogether.<\/p>\n

Cutting Corners on Up Front Costs<\/h2>\n

In Maryland, assets are divided equitably.\u00a0 However, in order for the judge to determine what is fair, the judge must have a clear picture of the assets of the marriage.\u00a0 If you have valuables such as jewelry, art, or antiques, it may be best to get them professionally appraised.\u00a0 Similarly, rather than relying on your spouse to estimate the value of their business, consider a professional skilled in business\u00a0valuation.\u00a0 Finally, rather than presuming you know what your house is worth, and the value of the neighborhood, get an appraisal.\u00a0 While you will have to pay for a professional to render their opinion, in many cases, this upfront cost will save you time and money in the long run.<\/p>\n

Using the Children<\/h2>\n

Of course your children are aware that you are divorcing. \u00a0Of course you should talk to your children about the divorce.\u00a0 However, talking about the divorce and talking about their other parent are two very different things.\u00a0 Children do not need to know the sordid details of your conflict with your spouse.\u00a0 Nor should children be used to communicate information from one parent to the other.\u00a0 Instead, if your relationship is so strained you cannot call or text, find a parenting app that allows you to schedule parenting time, doctor\u2019s visits, and school conferences and share it with your ex.<\/p>\n

Forgetting Your Manners in Court<\/h2>\n

When you are in court, don\u2019t forget your manners.\u00a0 Often times, when couples arrive at the courthouse steps they can bring the worst out of each other by their very presence.\u00a0 Here are some common courtroom behaviors that will not serve you, no matter how tempted you may be to engage in them:<\/p>\n