When you’re going through the pain of a divorce, it can feel like your whole world has turned upside down. You might have spent years putting your marriage before all else, but now you’re suddenly single and back in the dating game. While there are plenty of things to worry about when you’re in the process of getting divorced, fear not — there are plenty of myths surrounding divorce that just aren’t true! Here are five myths about divorce that you should know the facts about before you go ahead with your divorce process according to our friends at Winfrey Law Firm, PLLC. The truth may surprise you!
Myth 1: I Won’t Be Able to Get What I’m Worth In A Settlement
One of the most common myths about divorce is that you won’t be able to get what you’re worth in a settlement. This simply isn’t true. If you have a good lawyer, they will fight for what you’re entitled to. You need an experienced divorce lawyer that understands the laws and can help you understand your rights so that you don’t end up feeling like you’ve been cheated out of your fair share.
Myth 2: Our Kids Will Be Better Off Financially If We Don’t Get a Fair Settlement
If you and your spouse can’t come to an agreement about who will get what in the divorce, a judge will make the decision for you. This could result in an unfair outcome, leaving one spouse with significantly less than they would have had if they had negotiated a settlement. Judges also don’t take into account the financial needs of each spouse when making their decision, so it’s possible that both spouses could end up worse off financially after the divorce. For example, if one parent earns significantly more than the other, they may be awarded most or all of the marital assets because there is no need for them to share them with their spouse.
Myth 3: Divorce Is Just Going To Happen. Why Not Get What I Can?
If you’ve already decided that divorce is inevitable, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. But there’s still a lot you can do to protect yourself and your interests. First, understand that divorce is not just going to happen. You have to take action and file for divorce. Second, realize that you can’t just get what you want in a divorce. The court will divide assets equitably, which may not be 50/50. Third, don’t assume that your spouse will automatically get the kids. Child custody is decided based on the best interests of the child, not necessarily on who is the better parent. Fourth, don’t try to hide assets or income from your spouse. This will only backfire and make you look bad in front of the judge.
Myth 4: My Spouse Wants the House. So Do I.
If you’re going through a divorce, you may have heard that your spouse wants the house. And, you may be wondering if you should fight for it. After all, it’s your home too. Right? Well, not necessarily. Here’s what you need to know. You can’t automatically assume that one of you has to take ownership of the property in order for it to be sold or transferred in your name. There are other ways! For example, you could assign the deed over to an independent trustee who will sell the property and give you each 50% of any profits from the sale after paying off any mortgage debt on the property. That way neither one of you is saddled with responsibility for something that doesn’t belong solely to either one of you and neither one of you has control over who lives there or rents it out!
Myth 5: I Should Go for 50/50 Custody if I Want the Best Parenting Time Arrangement For Our Kids.
If you and your spouse are on good terms and can communicate well, joint custody may be the best arrangement for your family. This way, both parents have an equal say in decisions about the children’s lives. But if you can’t get along or communicate effectively, joint custody may not be right for you. In this case, it’s best to let the court decide what parenting time arrangement is in the best interest of the children.
Contact a divorce lawyer today for help with your case!