Anyone who has ever been through a divorce will tell you it is hard. Not only is it an emotional time, but also extremely stressful due to the confusion and uncertainty many experience. However, much of this stress can be relieved by being informed of the divorce process and preparing for what’s ahead. In this blog, we provide you with four tips for divorce litigants in 2021.
Set Realistic Expectations. In Indiana, marital property consists of all property owned by either spouse. Generally speaking, it does not matter if the property was acquired before or after the marriage, nor does it matter if it is in only one of the spouse’s name, it is considered marital property. Furthermore, in Indiana, it is presumed that all marital property will be divided 50/50. If you are seeking more than 50 percent of the marital estate, you will be required to overcome this presumption.
As such, it is important to remember to have reasonable expectations about the outcome of your case. Having a willingness to compromise will go a long way to relieve some of the stress. Rarely does either spouse get everything they want. Thus, setting realistic expectations can help prevent some of the court battles that many go through fighting for everything they want. Most importantly, setting realistic expectations will help you start moving on with your life instead of holding on to the past.
Practice Civility. The next tip to keep in mind is to try to practice civility towards the other person. This may seem cheesy to say, but at times it can be extremely hard in practice. Time and time again individuals let emotions take control in these types of situations. And time and again, those individuals who let emotions take control end up regretting it, and sometimes results in negative consequences (whether that be less parenting time, or a bigger share of the marital pot). Lastly, acting civil towards the other person will help you move on and let go of those ill feelings, creating a healthier situation for you in the long run.
Refrain from Posting on Social Media. As technology has become more important in our day to day, the rise of social media has skyrocketed. While there is a lot of good that comes from social media, there is also a lot of bad. As it relates to divorce litigants in pending divorce cases, oversharing details of their case is becoming a more and more common. This, however, is a mistake. Keep any details of your divorce case off of social media because there is a good chance the other party is watching what you post. If you post something bad, there is a very good likelihood it will be used against you in court. Just remember, it is best practice to keep any details of your case of social media.
Light at the End of the Tunnel. Finally, while divorces often time carry a feeling of “doom and gloom,” it is important to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel! It is very normal to experience sadness, or be fearful of the unknown, but sometimes the best way to live your best life is to cut ties with part of your past. If you are seriously considering divorce, are separated, or have even began to undergo the divorce process, there is a reason why. That reason being that it is probably best for you. So while it may be hard in the beginning, know there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Divorces are emotional times for all involved. Not only are they emotional, but often time complex. Obtaining skilled counsel is key to relieving some of the burden that comes with divorce. This blog was written by attorneys at Dixon & Moseley, P.C. who handle divorces of all types throughout the state. It is written and posted for general educational purposes and is not to be construed as legal advice or solicitation for services. It is an advertisement.