When a spouse goes through a divorce, there are many things they have to remember as the proceedings go along. While this can be overwhelming, it is important to be sure that they are taking the right actions and keeping their behavior appropriate. This is because certain actions have the potential to negatively impact the outcome of their divorce proceedings. In order to remember what should and should not be done, Peter V. Mandi & Associates, Inc. created a list of the “do’s and don’ts” of divorce. Continue reading below to learn more and contact our firm for guidance during this time.
What Should I Do?
When spouses go through a divorce, they usually want the process to go as smoothly as possible and there are no issues that arise. The following actions can allow spouses to help the process stay on track and accomplish this:
- Change passwords to all email accounts and social media sites
- Disclose all assets and liabilities when filling out your inventory
- Be aware of the household budget and expenses
- Collect your last two tax returns, real estate deeds, and mortgage documents
- Examine your credit history and get a credit report
- Know the total balance on any joint checking and savings bank accounts
- Know the balance on your retirement plans, 401(k), pension plan, etc.
- Get a copy of your spouse’s last two paycheck stubs
- Seek out a CPA or accountant to help review the tax implications of your divorce
- Seek help for any alcohol or illegal substance abuse
- Keep a journal to document the exchange and pick up of any children you have
- Keep any copies of money paid to your spouse
- Be sure to pay your child support on time
- Maintain good co-parenting practices with your spouse
- Comply with any court-ordered injunctions and restrictions
What Should I Not Do?
There are also a variety of actions that spouses should be avoiding during this time. While some can seem more obvious, others may seem harmless to a divorce. However, the following actions can detrimentally affect the divorce proceedings in many ways:
- Keep things from your attorney
- Post anything on social media that can be used against you
- Post information regarding your divorce on social media
- Withhold visitation from your spouse for their failure to make child support payments
- Move out of state with your children
- Start another romantic relationship during the proceedings
- Bring a new significant other around your children or the court hearings
- Get pregnant or get anyone pregnant
- Remove children from their current school
- Buy real estate or any extravagant items while the divorce is pending
- Sell property without the court’s permission
- Send mean or negative emails, texts, messages, etc. to your spouse
- Increase your debt while the divorce is pending
- Give large contributions to anyone during the proceedings
- Discuss the case with your children or use them as intermediaries
- Criticize your spouse in front of your children
Contact our Firm
Peter V. Mandi, Esq. is an experienced divorce and family law attorney located in Bohemia, New York. Our firm understands the impact a divorce can have on your life. If you require strong and dedicated legal representation in Long Island, New York, please do not hesitate to contact Peter V. Mandi & Associates, Inc. today.
