Actions You Should Avoid When Getting a Divorce

Going through the divorce process is a time of high emotion. Along with these emotions can come irrational actions. Your character is being scrutinized while going through a divorce so it's important to keep composure of your actions. As a divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, we've seen a number of cases take a turn due to irrational action of one or both of the spouses. Take a look below for some of the common actions that should be avoided when getting a divorce at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Believing a Battle is the Only Way to Resolve

While most divorces you hear about end up in a large dispute, it does not have to be that way. Matters can often be handled in a civil manner. This can actually help the process go much smoother and quicker. If both parties can decide on how to split property and time with kids (if there are children from the marriage), it does not have to be a drawn-out process.

Pitting Your Children Against the Other Parent

It's important to remember your divorce is between the two adults, not the kids. Try to limit talking about your split in front of the children, if you have any. This could end up driving a wedge between one parent and the kids. Try to stay as involved as possible in your kids' lives, as well. It can be a tough time for children as their parents split apart and they need as much love and support during this time as possible.

Getting Pregnant

If one of the parties becomes pregnant, the divorce proceedings may come to a halt. Whether the father is the spouse or not, it can complicate the divorce process. This will be an emotionally draining time and it's best to avoid adding stresses to the situation.

Increasing the Amount of Debt

Divorce can be an expensive time for the parties involved. You are typically going from two incomes down to supporting yourself (and your family) on your own. Any debt that is accrued while you are still married may be brought into the divorce process. Try to avoid racking up unnecessary debt while you are getting divorced.

Reply on Outside Advice

Every divorce is different. Keep that in mind when taking advice from friends and family who have been through the process. Emotional support and advice are welcome - but keep in mind your divorce may look different than that of your friends. Just because a divorce was ruled a certain way for an acquaintance, the factors in your divorce are likely much different. Don't stress over outside advice too much!

Keep Assets Hidden

Hiding assets is a bad idea. Once the lawyers/court/judge finds out about the asset, it is going to be involved in the division anyway. This can also make you look bad if you try to sneak away with unaccounted for assets. It's best to be upfront and honest during the entire divorce process.

Avoiding the above actions while getting a divorce can help make the entire process easier on everyone involved. If you're thinking about filing for divorce near the Lake of the Ozarks, finding an experienced lawyer is important. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we have a great deal of experience in family law at the Lake of the Ozarks. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Actions to Avoid During a Child Custody Dispute

Getting a divorce is hard but going through it when children are involved can be tough on everyone involved. If you are going through a divorce and have kids, it's important to keep your child's best interest top of mind. As your experienced divorce attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how vital this time can be to the future of your relationship with your children. Take a look below for some quick tips for actions to avoid, provided by Gibbons Law Firm.

NOT Providing a Stable Environment

A loving and stable environment can help your children grow and thrive. A divorce can throw a wrench in that, but it's important to work toward providing the best place possible for your children. A child needs consistent love and it's important to show that you are capable of providing that for your kids, especially during a child custody dispute.

Turning to Alcohol or Drugs

It can be easy to turn to drugs or alcohol in order to cope with the new stress and changes in your life. If you would like your children to live with you, even partial custody, it's important to show that you can provide a stable place for them to live. Alcohol or drugs do not provide stability.

NOT Having Self Control

Stay in control of your anger or aggression at all times. While the stress builds and the pressure of the looming divorce may be weighing down on you, you have to keep your composure. This can help show that you are a stable figure in your child's life and a good influence on them. Don't let a moment of weakness jeopardize your custody dispute.

Talking Negatively About Your Spouse

During a divorce, you are likely not seeing eye to eye with your spouse. Don't let your children feel the negative effects of this. Keep your comments and feelings about your spouse to yourself or vent with another adult. It's inappropriate to force your feelings on your children - after all the other person you are talking about is their parent too!

NOT Being Involved in Your Child's Life

Especially if your family is going through a divorce, it's important to be there for your kids. No matter what they are involved in, show up and show support for your little one. They are going through this new transition, just like you are, and it's vital to be there for them. Whether it's little league or another school activity, make an effort to be involved in your child's life.

Now that you know what actions to avoid during a child custody dispute, you're ready to keep your child's best interested in mind. If you're thinking about getting a divorce near the Lake of the Ozarks, we are here for you. Our divorce attorney in Lake Ozark, MO can help explain the process you are about to experience. And remember, your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is free!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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5 Actions to AVOID During Divorce

Divorce can be a tough time for everyone involved. It can be easy to let your emotions get the best of you. While most couples do not plan on ending their marriage, around half of all marriages end in divorce. As you navigate this emotional and stressful time, it's important to try to conduct yourself with dignity. As your experienced divorce lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we want to point out a few actions to avoid during the divorce process. Take a look below to learn more!

1) Getting the Kids Overly Involved

It's important to remember your divorce is between the two adults, not the kids. Try to limit talking about your split in front of the children, if you have any. This could end up driving a wedge between one parent and the kids. Try to stay as involved as possible in your kids' lives, as well. It can be a tough time for children as their parents split apart and they need as much love and support during this time as possible.

2) Thinking it Has to be a Fight

While most divorces you hear about end up in a large dispute, it does not have to be that way. Matters can often be handled in a civil manner. This can actually help the process go much smoother and quicker. If both parties can decide on how to split property and time with kids (if there are children from the marriage), it does not have to be a drawn-out process.

3) Racking up Debt

Divorce can be an expensive time for the parties involved. You are typically going from two incomes down to supporting yourself (and your family) on your own. Any debt that is accrued while you are still married may be brought into the divorce process. Try to avoid racking up unnecessary debt while you are getting divorced.

4) Attempting to Hide Away Assets

Hiding assets is a bad idea. Once the lawyers/court/judge finds out about the asset, it is going to be involved in the division anyway. This can also make you look bad if you try to sneak away with unaccounted for assets. It's best to be upfront and honest during the entire divorce process.

5) Listen to Outside Advice Too Often

Every divorce is different. Keep that in mind when taking advice from friends and family who have been through the process. Emotional support and advice is welcome - but keep in mind your divorce may look different than that of your friends. Just because a divorce was ruled a certain way for an acquaintance, the factors in your divorce are likely much different. Don't stress over outside advice too much!

Now that you know all about the list of things to avoid during your divorce process, you know how to move forward with your head held high. If you find yourself wanting to end your marriage, it may be time to file for divorce. Give Gibbons Law Firm a call if you feel yourself nearing a divorce. We can help walk you through the entire process to end your marriage. Your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is free!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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