Divorce Tips for Men
Divorce is often painful and complicated. Dividing assets and determining alimony or child support payments needs to be done fairly. At the Sutton Law Firm, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting their clients’ interests when faced with divorce.
For many men, divorce does not end their financial obligations to their ex. Because of this and more, it is important that men get fair terms in their divorce agreement so that they can move forward in their new lives. These divorce tips for men in Lakeland, St. Petersburg, and Bartow, FL, can help.
Don’t Let Emotions Cloud Judgment
Although a divorce can be a highly emotional event, it’s important to maintain clarity when it comes to negotiating the terms of the divorce agreement.
Setting emotions aside can help you look at the facts so you can come to the best agreement possible for your circumstances.
Consider Mediation
Contested divorce proceedings can be costly and drag out much longer than either party would like. Instead, a divorce may be completed through mediation. Mediation uses a neutral third party to help facilitate both sides coming to an agreement. It can save time and avoid expensive litigation. Mediation can be some of the best money spent in divorce litigation.
Try to Stay Amicable
There are often many hurt feelings during a divorce but even so, it’s important to try to stay amicable. Try to avoid being uncooperative by doing petty things like withholding documents or engaging in social media attacks of the other.
This is especially important when children are involved. Cooperating throughout the divorce so that the process is as smooth, fast, and amicable as possible can make the process less stressful for you and your children.
Don’t Move Money or Hide Assets
It may be tempting to hide assets or move money to avoid sharing everything with a soon-to-be ex-spouse. Yet in the end, it’s not likely to work. Trying to hide money and other assets will likely only make the divorce process take longer. It will lead to increased costs and often a loss in your credibility with the court.
Put Your Children First
Divorce is hard, especially for children who have little control over their parents’ decisions or behavior. Divorcing fathers should keep their children’s best interests in mind . This is especially true since, effective July 1, 2023, Florida has adopted a presumption that timesharing arrangements should be 50/50.
Even though it may be challenging, this also means treating the other parent with respect during the divorce process. Avoid using the children as a way to “get back” at the other parent for seeking the divorce, for their bad or inappropriate behavior, or to cause hurt to even the score. For example, do not cut off financial support if such is due. In trying to hurt their soon-to-be ex, you will only and simultaneously hurt the children in the long run.
Consult a Qualified Divorce Attorney
It may seem like a good idea to save money and go through a divorce without any legal help or to retain a lawyer who is inexpensive, but not experienced in this area of law. Doing so can be costly in the long run, especially in a contentious divorce. Errors can occur in your case presentation that are fatal or costly to fix. Consulting an experienced, qualified divorce attorney is important to protect your best interests.
Schedule a Consultation at the Sutton Law Firm
If you are dealing with divorce, it is important to have legal counsel on your side. To learn more about how our divorce and family law attorneys can help, please call our law firm at (863) 533-8912 or contact us online.
