Hearing that your spouse wants to end the marriage can be a devastating experience. There are so many emotions involved with divorce. It is a heartbreaking event that ends a once-loving relationship.
Trying to resolve all the elements of your divorce can be overwhelming. That is why you need a Michigan divorce lawyer on your side to guide you through the process. The process can be daunting, and it is easy to make mistakes. These mistakes can negatively affect the outcome of your divorce. Here are some common mistakes you should try to avoid.
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Rushing Through the Process
Yes, you might want to get the divorce over with quickly, but at what cost? If your spouse knows that you want to get the process over as quickly as possible, they will try to take advantage of you. You likely will not get your fair share of assets.
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Misvaluing Assets
When determining the value of assets, hire your own professional to appraise them. Do not rely on your spouse’s valuation. Having the correct value will ensure assets are split fairly.
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Not Considering Retirement Assets
If you stayed home to raise the kids while your spouse worked, they likely have a significant retirement plan. It is important that you get your fair share of the money. However, be sure to get a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) so that the retirement plan assets can be divided without penalties.
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Going Straight to Litigation
On TV, it shows couples battling out their divorces in court. However, that does not have to be the case for your marriage. Many couples try mediation first. This option helps you maintain control of the outcome of your divorce. It also keeps your divorce private, so no one can see the details. On top of that, mediation saves time and money.
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Keeping the Marital Home
Many people want to keep the family home for sentimental reasons. Or maybe they feel as if they should promote stability for the children. However, homes are not cheap. Even if you can afford the mortgage, what about taxes, insurance, and maintenance? These costs all add up; do not bite off more than you can chew.
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Underestimating Expenses
Again, do not underestimate expenses. You will have bills and expenses to pay on a regular basis after a divorce, and you will be doing it on your own. Start budgeting now, ensuring your income exceeds your expenses. This may mean bringing in more income.
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Doing a DIY Divorce
A divorce contains many elements that the average person would not know how to properly handle on their own. Divorce lawyers are experts, so hire one to handle your divorce.
Contact Us Today
It is easy to make mistakes in a Michigan divorce. That is why it is important to have a legal professional on your side to help you make the right decisions.
Contact The Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins for help with your divorce case. We can make sure you are on the right track. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling (248) 646-7980.