Divorce: 4 Do's & 4 Don'ts

Divorce is one of the most challenging, emotional, and stressful processes anyone can undertake. No matter how you and/or your spouse came to the decision that divorce was necessary, you can expect to face frustrations, arguments, and strong emotions during the process.

However, there are certain things you can do that may help simplify the process. Today, our divorce lawyer in Camden County, MO is here to look at some of the things you can do to ease the divorce process, as well as some behaviors and actions that should be avoided.

When navigating a divorce, DO...

• Cooperate as much as possible. There's no need to make things harder on yourselves by arguing over unimportant details.
• Fully disclose your assets and property. If the court discovers that you have hidden assets, they may start the entire process over again from the beginning (and you may face consequences for your actions). 
• Support your children's continued relationship with your spouse. You may have chosen to separate from your spouse, but your children haven't necessarily come to the same decision. Don't make things harder on your little ones by demanding that they pick sides.
  
• Ask your attorney to clarify anything you don't understand. Your attorney works for you. If you have questions or concerns at any point in the process, don't hesitate to address them with your lawyer.

When navigating a divorce, DON'T...

• Hide (or hide your children) from your spouse. If you disappear prior to filing for divorce (or at some point during the divorce proceedings), your spouse may hire law enforcement to track you down. This type of disappearance may hurt your case during a custody battle. (The possible exception to this rule is if you believe you or your children are endangered by your spouse. If this situation applies to you, contact our attorney immediately to determine your best option.)
• Make big life changes until your divorce is finalized. It is impossible to predict exactly how long divorce proceedings will take. Don't make any commitments to begin a new job or move to a different area until after the process is finalized.
• Violate temporary custody agreements. If you violate temporary custody orders, the court may give primary custody privileges to your spouse.
• Use your children as leverage. Custody and visitation rights are their own issues. You cannot leverage time with the children as a way to manipulate your spouse. Not only will it not get you the results you want - it may result in your own custody privileges being result.

Contact Us If You Need Representation

Divorce can be a challenging process, but having an experienced Lake of the Ozarks divorce lawyer on your side can make the process much easier. If you are in the middle of (or think you may soon face) a divorce, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our law firm in Lake Ozark, MO. 

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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Tips to Make Your Divorce Process Easier

Can a divorce be simple? Can a divorce be fast? Can a divorce be easy? While few people who have gone through a divorce will tell you no to these questions, the answer is yes. There are a number of key things that can be done to ease tensions and help make the divorce process as simple, quick and easy as possible. Gibbons Law Firm discusses some divorce process tips below. If you’re in need of a family law attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks, and would like to continue this discussion, schedule an appointment today.

Communication and Mediation

When a marriage ends, typically emotions run high and it can be difficult to remember important details, avoid conflict or find the personal compassion necessary to calmly navigate the divorce process. Sitting down and speaking with your spouse may seem like the last thing you want to do, but mediation can be emotionally beneficial for all parties involved. Writing a list of important personal concerns can be a helpful tool and guide as you take a step towards controlled communication with your soon to be ex.

Visit a Therapist

As you work on improving communication with your spouse, talking through your divorce process with a therapist can be helpful. Dealing with the emotional aspect of your divorce can be a challenge; the changes associated with divorce are often overwhelming and a neutral party can help you deal with the emotional problems you encounter.

Keep Children a Priority

As you and your spouse adjust to the challenges a divorce can bring, don’t forget to put the children first.  Avoid creating situations whereby children are positioned in-between adults in conflicts. Help children acclimate to the changes by doing your best to keep parental issues away from them. Instead, encourage them to have a healthy relationship with both parents, if appropriate.

Don’t Increase Your Debt

Divorce can be expensive. In addition to attorney fees, you will require finances to set up a new household. It may be difficult to come up with this income; therefore, it is wise to avoid increasing your debt by making unnecessary purchases or taking on additional credit.

Find a Lawyer You are Comfortable With

By finding a lawyer who is supportive and cooperative, some strain of the divorce process may be eased.  Once the divorce proceedings begin, your attorney will be help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Remember That Your Divorce Will End  

Divorce can be the beginning of a new and improved life situation for all. Together with your attorney, you have the power to make the process as conflict free as possible.

Softening the rough edges of divorce can take a lot of effort. By starting with the advice of a qualified, experienced attorney, you can start the process with the end in mind and focus on making your unique divorce as easy as possible. If you’re preparing for a divorce, contact our experienced divorce attorney at Lake of the Ozarks. We are honored to do all we can to assist you.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

4075 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 300

Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2211

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Common Misconceptions About Divorce

No newlywed couple thinks their marriage will end in divorce, but with the U.S. divorce rate continuing to hover around 50%, divorce remains an unfortunate reality for thousands of couples all over the States. Our family attorney in Osage Beach MO has represented hundreds of individuals as they navigate the path through divorce towards a new chapter of their lives. Over the years, we have identified several misconceptions many people have about divorce. This week, we're dedicating our blog to clearing up some of these common misconceptions.

Misconception #1:
You Have To Prove Fault To Get A Divorce
Missouri (along with most other states) is a no-fault divorce state. This means that you can file for divorce even if your spouse has not committed some form of marital misconduct, such as adultery. All that spouses are required to prove is that there is "no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved, and that the marriage is irretrievably broken."

Misconception #2:
Since Missouri Is A No-Fault Divorce State, Conduct Does Not Matter
Though you do not have to prove that your spouse committed adultery, withheld certain important financial information, or committed some other form of misconduct in order to file for divorce, each spouse's conduct during the marriage and the divorce proceedings is still important. The Court may take this type of information into account when determining whom should receive which assets, whom should be required to pay spousal support, etc.

Misconception #3:

If I Have Always Been My Child's Primary Caregiver, The Custody Arrangement Will Be Easy
Though you may have been your children's primary caregiver in the past, this fact will not guarantee your right to full custody of your children after the divorce. The Court will award custody to the parent who is believed to be able to best provide for the child's best interests. During the proceedings, you and your attorney will have to prove to the Court that you fit this description.

Misconception #4:
All Divorces Take Place In The Courtroom
The media likes to sensationalize high-stakes, highly combative divorces as they are battled out in the courtroom, but the truth is that many divorces can be settled outside of court. This process, known as mediation, involves an attorney serving as an impartial third party serving as the liaison between the spouses as they determine how their assets and responsibilities should be divided. This method of divorce is often much more efficient, cost-effective, and less stressful.

Misconception #5:
If My Spouse Neglects To Pay Child Support, I Can Withhold Visitation Rights
If one parent has been awarded full or primary custody, the other parent may be ordered to pay child support to help shoulder the financial responsibility of raising children. If the one parent neglects to provide the child support payments as directed, the other parent may decide to withhold visitation rights until the money is received. However, this is an illegal act that can result in legal consequences on the custodial parent's part. If your spouse is neglecting to pay child support, you should consult with an attorney to determine the best course of action.

Gibbons Law Firm Will Be Here To Guide You Through Your Divorce
Facing divorce can be daunting, unnerving, and downright scary. If you are preparing for a divorce, you likely have countless questions about the process. Our divorce lawyer in Osage Beach MO has experience navigating divorce cases and would be honored to assist you through this challenging time. To learn more about our family law services at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website or call us at 573-348-2211.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

4075 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 300

Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 348-2211

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No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.