Going through a divorce can be extremely unpleasant for all parties involved. On top of being an incredibly stressful and challenging chapter in your life, it can also heavily impact your soon-to-be-ex-spouse, your children, and even your family members and mutual friends. Of course, the range of emotions that come with the divorce process can be fairly extreme, and (among other things) divorce can take its toll emotionally, physically, and financially.

Understandably, these extreme emotions you’re dealing with during your divorce can often get the better of you. You may act out, behave irrationally, and make mistakes. Remember, this is only human and happens to most people going through tough times. However, it's crucial to avoid certain things when it comes to getting a divorce. Avoiding these issues will help you throughout the process and also help you in court if need be. So, if you or a loved one is going through a divorce, make a note of the following six things to avoid: 

1. Don't Confuse Your Material Needs with Your Emotional Needs 
   While thinking about Equitable Distribution, don't blur your emotional needs with your material needs. While this is hard to avoid, each party should identify what they each need and why. It's not always about who ends up with the biggest pile of assets. Despite the dollar value, one spouse may want something worth more to them personally. In return, they will be willing to give up something else, which dollar value may be higher but has more value to the other person.
   
   
2. Don't Let Other People Define Your Needs
   Though well-intentioned, your friends and family are likely to give you advice around what you should and shouldn't do during your divorce proceedings. While it can help to listen to people who have "been there," it's essential to not take legal advice from anyone other than your divorce lawyer. Sometimes, this advice and information may be biased, inaccurate, and may not be what is best for your own personal situation. Listening to advice is one thing, but following it from the wrong people can worsen your situation. Also, attorney-client privilege exists between you and your attorney, so don't disclose this confidential information with anybody–including your spouse and family members. 
   
   
3. Don't Ignore Your Family's Finances As a Whole
   When divorcing, it is natural to start to focus on your own financial situation first and foremost, and not that of your soon-to-be ex-spouse. However, try and think of the bigger picture here. It is essential to look at the family's finances as a whole and to work out a plan that each of you and your children can comfortably live on. If your kids will be spending a substantial amount of time with your spouse, they must be in a similar financial situation as they were before the divorce. If you need help figuring this out, your divorce attorney will be able to assist with realistic budgets for both parties involved.
   
   
4. Don't Make Financial Commitments Until Terms Are Finalized
   Making financial commitments (such as buying a house or starting a new business) before knowing exactly what your financial picture will look like post your divorce is not recommended. Working off a 'rough idea' without knowing precisely what the terms are is way too risky. Also, don't estimate what your house is worth, your cut, and when you are likely to sell it. These are all moving parts and should be 100% finalized before you make any new and substantial financial decisions. 
   
   
5. Don't Bad Mouth Your Spouse In Front of Your Kids
   Divorce can be extremely tough on your kids–regardless of their age. Don't add to this difficult time by talking badly about your spouse either to or in front of your children. Sometimes, you may seek solace or comfort with older kids and talk to them as you would a friend or confidant. Be sure to avoid this at all costs. Keep your issues with your ex-partner between the two of you. And, whatever you do, don't drag your kids into a mud-slinging match. Of course, while you may be very hurt and angry, your children deserve to be protected from these kinds of tense and uncomfortable situations.
   
   
6. Don't Ignore Your Physical and Emotional Health
   As we mentioned above, dealing with a highly emotional event such as divorce takes its toll in many ways. When we are under such emotional stress, we feel run down, tired, overwhelmed, and sometimes unable to cope. At this highly stressful time, you must take care of yourself to help maintain your physical and emotional wellbeing. It's crucial to exercise, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep. It's also a good idea to spend quality time with friends and family, seek help and guidance through a therapist or perhaps join a local support group. 

How We Can Help

Are you looking for an experienced divorce attorney in Texas? John C. Mallios & Associates is experienced in providing high-quality representation in both simple and complex divorce proceedings. Our attorneys and staff understand that a divorce can be emotionally and financially taxing for all members of your family. We are confident that we can help you find a beneficial solution for all parties involved.

John Mallios and his legal team are a group of experts with over 40 years of experience in successful legal representation throughout Texas and the rest of the country. We offer the expertise of a large firm and the individual attention of a small firm. Our team is fully qualified and ready to fight for you. 

For a legal team you can trust, visit our website or contact John Mallios at (972) 938-1529 today.