By the time most people file for divorce, they have been unhappy in their relationship for a while. That doesn’t necessarily make the transition to single life any easier, though. Ending a marriage is always stressful and navigating the legal proceedings can be challenging. Fortunately, you can minimize the emotional impact—and increase your chances of securing a favorable settlement—by turning to a seasoned divorce attorney and keeping the “do’s and don’ts” of filing in mind.  

Do:

Focus on Your Children

If you have children, they are going to need you now more than ever. When with them, try to compartmentalize any worry about the divorce, and just focus on spending quality time together. This alone may be all you need to reduce stress considerably during the proceedings. It could also bode well for you when it comes to the custody arrangement.

Disclose Everything

A divorce attorney will tell you failing to disclose certain assets to the court could have serious negative consequences. In the state of Ohio, virtually all property that either party acquires over the course of the marriage is considered marital property. Exceptions include inheritances that were only left to one party and passive income from separate property; however, you need to disclose such assets anyway, so the judge has a clear picture of your financial situation.

Don’t:

Post on Social Media

It might feel like your ex is posting about every little detail of his or her life, but you should consider staying off social media entirely. Not only will this protect your mental health, but it could also work in your favor when negotiating for the final settlement or child custody because it limits the kind of evidence your ex can gather against you.

Make Rash Decisions

If you’re about to lose your cool, take a few deep breaths or call a friend to vent. It is never wise to make big decisions when angry or hurt. Fortunately, a divorce attorney can serve as the voice of reason if you are about to make an impulsive decision. Take advantage of this resource and call your lawyer when you are about to do something that might be regrettable.

If you want to file for divorce in Ohio, turn to the strategic team at Lane, Felix & Raisbeck CO, LPA. Based in Cincinnati, they have been proudly serving clients throughout the area for more than 30 years. In addition to family law, their areas of expertise include criminal defense, elder law, probate, and personal injury law. To explore all the quality legal services they provide, visit their website or call (513) 922-7700 to schedule an initial consultation with a divorce attorney today.