Separation costs money. There are also mistakes that cost people lots of money and which should be avoided
Posting on social media
This one is the quickest way to annoy your ex-partner. What could have been an amicable settlement may end up being more like a war-zone. Don’t post things like ‘here’s my ex…what a loser!” or images of your new lover and how you have ‘finally found true love‘. This may feel good, but the feeling won’t last when you are served with a Family Court application.
Negotiating with an ex-partner
Trying to negotiate directly with an ex you don’t trust is a sure way of costing you time and money. If you don’t trust your ex because they have betrayed you or lied to you and you feel that they don’t care about your or the children’s needs, then trying to reach agreement is a classic mistake.
Not getting a divorce lawyer
Using a family lawyer does cost money – but think about what it will cost if you agree to something without proper advice. Obtaining advice could save you thousands of dollars. Don’t be fooled into thinking you know the law. Your friend who had a property settlement might try to offer advice. However, their settlement arose from their facts, not yours.
Not getting valuations
You may have an idea what your home or business is worth. But that may be very wrong. Keeping an over-valued asset or giving an under-valued one to your spouse may cost far more than the valuation fee. And better still your family lawyer can normally make you responsible for only half the valuation fee.
Not doing due diligence
It is your family lawyer’s role to check documents to make sure the figures stack up. Experience from many cases has taught them where to look and how to find things your spouse may not be telling you about.
Not filing in Court
You can spend months and a lot of money going back and forth in unproductive negotiation. Experience from many cases has taught your family lawyer when it is more cost effective for your case to file in Court. It shows you are serious and can bring your spouse to their senses.
Involving the Children
Children are not the means for getting what you want. They should never be involved in personal and intimate matters between you and your ex-partner. If your communication is non-existent get professional support to help you find ways to deal with this situation.
Putting your head in the sand
We know that for many people the heartbreak of separation is overwhelming. You may be struck with grief and emotional distress. It may feel it’s easier to put your head in the sand but do whatever you must to get into action mode. It’s so much better for you than procrastinating and avoiding the inevitable. In cases of long delay, you may lose your right to a property settlement or spousal maintenance.
Sending that angry SMS
You may get satisfaction by telling your spouse what you think in an SMS. But that feeling may be short-lived. That SMS or email will often end up in an Affidavit put before the Judge. Think about what the Judge may think before you click “send”.
