3 Common Mistakes People Make While Going Through A Divorce
Posted on: 20 January 2015
Going through a divorce can be very stressful. Many people make costly mistakes that only complicate the divorce further and make it harder. This is why if you are going through a divorce it is important that you avoid some of these common mistakes.
1. Continue Using Joint Accounts
Even if you are in the process of a divorce, you should close your joint bank accounts and start a separate one in your name only. Recognize that in most cases you will not be able to remove your spouse from the bank account. Instead, you will need to completely close that account and start fresh.
The reason for this is that you will be held responsible for any purchase made through that account. If you deposited money and agreed that each of you would use half of it, but your spouse used more, or withdrew it, you have no claim to that money. In addition, if there are overdrafts you are responsible to pay them. Thus, close the joint account right away and start using separate bank accounts.
2. Not Paying Off Joint Debt
Just like the bank accounts, anything that has both of your names on the account will hold both of you liable. Creditors do not care if you are going through a divorce. They just need to make sure that they get their money. This means that if you have any credit cards that have both of your names on it, you could be responsible for paying for your spouse's purchases.
In addition, your spouse could essentially ruin your credit score by making purchases and not paying them off. For this reason, you should do all you can to pay off joint credit cards and close all lines of credit.
3. Taking Legal Advice From Friends
It is fine to talk with your friends about your frustrations with the divorce. However it is not all right to take advise from your friends on legal matters. Your friends might have ideas about how to "get back" at your spouse. They might tell you to do something that is not in your best interest. Thus, do not discuss legal matters with anyone besides your family law attorney. Your attorney is doing everything he or she can to protect you and do what is best for you. Talk to your friends about your feelings, but leave the legal matters to the attorney.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can simplify your divorce.
Share