Divorce is tough for anyone and though friends and family can be a wonderful support system during these times, their advice might not always be in your best interest. Become familiar with the three most common tips divorcees receive that cause more harm than good:
You can do everything yourself
Web MD-ing a divorce will never end well. Becoming well-versed in legal terms through online articles does not make you suited to handle your own divorce. Technology can be a great tool for information, but its not meant to handle a process as complicated as divorce. Hiring a lawyer will not only save you time, but also your sanity. Divorce is full of complex calculations, such as alimony and child support, that even the most knowledgeable divorcee should not handle without an expert's help.
Don't waste money on a lawyer
Though attaining an expensive lawyer may seem out of reach, it could save you money in the long run. A less expensive lawyer will often be less efficient when handling your case, taking longer to reach a settlement. Higher rates shouldn't scare you when searching for the right attorney, as these lawyers have more experience and therefore are more knowledgeable. New York family law attorney and How to Divorce in New York author, Michael Stutman, notes, "Some attorneys will intentionally draw out your case in order to increase the fee." The most important thing is that you do your research, and decide on an attorney who will cater to your specific needs--not the friend of a friend's lawyer who can get you a discount.
Get it over with
Divorce is not a pleasant time and can push people towards rushing through the process to avoid the pain. Though a quick divorce by no means is a wrong divorce, it should not be filled with rushed decisions in order to put things in the past. It is important that divorcees understand all of their options and seek advice from legal experts, especially when it comes to financials. Most importantly, be sure never to sign anything without first reading and understanding the consequences. Hurrying to end a divorce could lead to a settlement that you don't deserve.
- Co-authored by Brendan Lyle and Kristin Brice