Things You Should Not Do If You Are Thinking Of Divorce
If you have made up your mind to divorce your spouse, there are things you should do and things you should not do if you don't want a complicated and expensive divorce. For example, you should give these four things a wide berth if you are planning to file for a divorce:
Going On a Spending Spree
If you go on a spending spree right before your divorce, then your spouse may accuse you of asset dissipation during the divorce. Asset dissipation is a legal term for misuse of marital assets in a way that caused an inequitable distribution of property during divorce. For example, if you bought a car or went on an expensive vacation in the days leading up to the divorce, it may be considered asset dissipation. In such a case, the judge may reduce your share of the assets and increase your partner's share proportionally.
Living Like You Are Single
It would also be a mistake to start living like a single person before the divorce is actually finalized. For example, getting into romantic relationships with other people will be considered adultery if your divorce isn't yet finalized. Adultery can have far-reaching ramifications for your divorce; for example, it can reduce your alimony (if you are the receiving spouse) or affect your child custody chances.
Making Expensive Joint Purchases
Asset division is one of the most controversial things during divorce. Typical arguments revolve around identification of marital and separate assets, the proportion of assets each party should get, and the type of assets each party should get. The more assets you have the more you are likely to have problems with division of assets. Therefore, there is no use increasing the value and number of assets you own if you have decided to separate.
Applying For Joint Credit Cards
This is another mistake because it will lead to further debts, which will only complicate your divorce further. Don't forget that debts are also divided during a divorce, and you may even be on the hook for debts that were solely incurred by your partner. In fact, this is one of the reasons it's advisable to close your joint credit cards if you have divided to divorce your partner. This also means you should not apply for loans until after the divorce is finalized.
The best thing to do, if you have made up your mind to divorce, is to consult a lawyer firm, like Scott & Scott, PC. The lawyer will help you understand and protect your rights and even navigate the messy world of divorce laws.