Avoid these 3 Common Mistakes Divorcing Couples Make

When a couple decides to file for divorce, there are obviously a number of emotional and financial stressors involved, both in making the choice and in going through the divorce process. The feelings you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse may be experiencing might be similar to feelings of grief after a loved one has passed away, and this is completely natural. After all, a divorce is the death of a marriage, and it is important that each of you grieve this loss in your own way.

But when does expressing your sadness, anger or guilt over the end of your marriage go from therapeutic to problematic? Here are some common mistakes divorcing couples make that can take their experience from bad to worse, and tips for avoiding them.

#1- Acting out of anger

If your divorce is the result of infidelity, dishonesty or any other circumstance where your trust was violated, it can be especially tempting to want revenge on your soon-to-be ex. However, acting on these emotions is not in your best interest in the long term, as it can lead to poor decisions that ultimately affect the outcome of your divorce settlement. If anger is clouding your judgement and you find yourself having violent or vengeful thoughts, you may want to talk with a therapist or family counselor to help yourself overcome these non-productive feelings.

#2- Forgetting about taxes

When drafting your divorce settlement during the mediation process, it is imperative that you take tax-related matters into consideration. Divorcing couples sometimes overlook the implications that the division of their common assets may have on their taxes- for instance, if a retirement account is divided in the divorce, a tax penalty may apply. Be sure to consult with an accountant or tax professional when dividing your assets to avoid any unpleasant surprises come tax time.

#3- Failure to communicate

Many divorcing couples have a hard time even looking at one another, let alone having a civil conversation. While it is understandable that your soon-to-be former spouse isn’t your favorite person at the moment, it is essential that you keep the lines of communication open during the divorce process. Cooperating with one another during the mediation process not only benefits you both financially in the long run but also lessens the time it takes to reach an agreement and finalize the divorce. Once those papers are signed, provided there are no children involved, you never have to speak to one another again if you choose not to, but it is important to at least communicate while you are going through the process.

Obtaining a Denver uncontested divorce can be simpler than you imagined if you follow these tips. By keeping a level head, thinking through all of the financial implications of your divorce and communicating with one another, you can spare yourself a great deal of time, trouble and expense.