If you are either thinking about filing for divorce or are currently navigating this process, it is important that you consider not only the emotional consequences of separating from your spouse, but also the practical and financial consequences of doing so. Certainly, the emotional realities of your marriage are likely those driving you to file for divorce. However, if you opt to divorce from your spouse without first preparing yourself financially, you may find yourself in a compromised position.
Too often, Americans allow their emotions to guide them through the divorce process. While it is important to honor your emotions and to process them in healthy ways, it is not generally a good idea to place your emotions in the driver’s seat of your divorce. If you allow emotions like anger, guilt, sadness and confusion to rule your divorce settlement negotiations, you may end up without your fair share of marital assets.
For example, if you have betrayed your spouse and are feeling guilty, you may be inclined to give him or her most of your marital assets. If you are feeling angry at your spouse, you may be inclined to fight for more than your fair half of these assets and will drive up your legal costs as a result. If you try to approach division of marital property as objectively as you can, you will be more likely to keep your legal costs down and to receive your fair share of these assets.
If you are at all concerned that your emotions may influence your asset division strategy, please speak with an experienced family law attorney. Your attorney will be able to help you keep your emotions from driving your divorce settlement process so that you can focus on preparing yourself financially for your newly single life.