Do’s & Don’ts During a Divorce
There is a right and wrong way to do everything, including going through a divorce. It’s easy for tempers to run high, and it can make the process more stressful than it already is.
It’s human nature to react to the situation emotionally, but it’s important to remember that your actions and words during the process can affect your family, emotions and financial situation. Ciccarelli Law Offices provides a list of what to do and what not to do during a divorce.
Chester County, PA Divorce Attorney
A divorce is a stressful process. You may think that you can go about it alone, but the risk of not hiring an attorney outweighs the cost of hiring one. Let Ciccarelli Law Offices guide you through the process. We will find the best course of action for your situation and seek the best possible outcome for you.
We take pride in our ability to help clients find a resolution to one of the most stressful situations they could go through. You do not have to go through this process alone. Ciccarelli Law Offices will be there every step of the way.
To schedule a time to speak with an attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices about your case, call (610) 692-8700 or send an online message for a free consultation so we can act as soon as possible. We are based in West Chester PA and serve clients throughout Chester County, Lancaster County and suburban Philadelphia including West Chester, Kennett Square, Oxford, Avondale, Landenberg, West Grove, Paoli, Malvern, Downingtown, Coatesville, Exton, Parkesburg, Berwyn and Devon. We have convenient meeting locations in Lancaster, Philadelphia, Plymouth Meeting, Kennett Square, Malvern, Springfield, King of Prussia, and Radnor. Our family lawyers serve those with immediate legal needs in Chester County, Montgomery County, Delaware County and Lancaster County.
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Do’s of a Divorce
One of the first things you should do when going through a divorce is contact an experienced family law attorney. This is the most crucial step in the divorce process. An attorney can help you avoid mistakes, offer expert advise and reduce stress. Some of the other things you should do during a divorce include:
- Comply with court orders, even if you don’t agree with them.
- Stick to deadlines. If your significant other flies complaints or motions, you must do so within the proper timeframe.
- Remain polite and respectful when communicating with your significant other, their friends and family, other attorneys, and the judge.
- Cooperate with your spouse. Agreeing on issues save time and money. It also gives you more control over the outcome of problems like property division and child custody.
- Make sure everything is included in a divorce or separation agreement. This can consist of childcare issues, debts and property.
- Document everything you think will be important later.
- Consider what is best for the children, especially when deciding visitation schedules. Make sure you address holidays, birthdays, emergencies and changes to come as the children age.
- Be aware of other options. You may be eligible for non-divorce alternatives like legal separation, annulment or summary dissolution.
- Ask your attorney questions. We work for you, and we want you to understand every part of the process.
- Take care of yourself. The divorce process is stressful, so it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Seek professional help if you need too.
Don’ts of a Divorce
Ask anyone who has gone through a divorce, and they will rarely tell you it was easy. It’s normal for tension to run high and for couples to make poor decisions in the heat of the moment. To ensure the process goes as smooth as possible, there are a few things you should not do to lessen the chances of making a decision you will regret later on.
Here are a few things you should avoid doing when going through a divorce:
- Do not represent yourself. There is too much room for error if you do.
- Don’t assume that all debts will be divided equally. They rarely are.
- Don’t display anger. Getting angry in front of someone like a judge may cause the wrong impression, and it can impact your credibility in the courtroom.
- Do not get rid of assets you know your spouse is going to request. It’ll make you look bad in court and impact the results from the judge.
- Don’t be greedy. Just because your emotions are running high doesn’t mean you are entitled to more than the law allows.
- Refrain from posting comments or updates about the divorce on social media. The Internet is the first place an attorney will look for evidence to use against you.
- Don’t violate visitation agreements or temporary custody orders. Doing so can make it harder for you to get the custody or visitation rights you prefer.
- Don’t forget about your children. The divorce process can be just as hard for them as it is for you.
- Don’t use your children as a bargaining tool or messengers. This puts them in the middle of the divorce, and they shouldn’t be. This is between you and your spouse.
- Do not prevent your children from seeing the other parent because they owe you money.
Additional Resources for Divorce in Chester County, PA
Divorce | Pennsylvania Statutes– Follow this link to read the complete text of the state statute that governs divorce. You can learn about the grounds for a divorce, annulments and proceedings when determining marital status. The code can be read on the Pennsylvania General Assembly website.
Property Rights | Pennsylvania Statutes– Visit the Pennsylvania General Assembly website to read the statute that governs property division during a divorce. You can learn about the general rules for disposition of property and how the value is determined.
Chester County, PA Divorce Lawyer
Do not represent yourself in a divorce. There is too much room for error that can result in costly fees. Lee Ciccarelli has over two decades of experience as a divorce attorney, and he will ensure the process is done correctly the first time.
Ciccarelli Law Offices will help you overcome this difficult time and always have your best interest in mind. To schedule a free case consultation, call (610) 692-8700 or submit your information in the online contact form.
We represent clients in areas such as West Chester, Ardmore, Paoli, Landenberg, Chester Springs and Concordville and many others in the surrounding area.