Things to Avoid After Finding Out About Divorce in Orlando

When you hear that your spouse is planning to divorce you, you may feel all kinds of turbulent emotions. During this period, it may be difficult to control your behaviors. You may attempt to save the marriage through drastic measures. You might also become highly emotional. Some actions have serious consequences, and an experienced divorce attorney in Orlando can help you navigate this process without causing needless issues. Here are a few things to avoid:

Property Damage 

Many spouses have violent thoughts after learning of an impending divorce. Instead of becoming violent with their exes, they may engage in property destruction instead. For example, an angry spouse might smash the windows of their ex’s vehicle. They might also burn some of their ex’s clothing in the front yard. Others may scrawl graffiti on the garage door or smash the kitchen cupboards.

It is important to understand that this can affect property division in Florida. The Sunshine State follows a process of “equitable distribution,” which requires courts to consider various factors when dividing property. One of these factors is property damage committed by either spouse.

Even if you think you’re damaging your ex’s vehicle, you are actually damaging your own marital property (assuming your ex purchased the vehicle during the marriage). In other words, you may be entitled to 50% of the value of the vehicle.

If you destroy or damage the property, the courts will subtract the value of the damaged property from your share of the marital property. When you damage property in this manner, you are only hurting yourself.

 Parental Alienation

 Another thing to avoid is parental alienation. This occurs when a parent tries to turn their children against their ex. Florida courts frown on this behavior, and they may punish parents who engage in it. After hearing about a divorce, you should encourage your children to maintain a relationship with your ex.

Although this may be difficult after a bitter end to a marriage, it may increase your chances of a positive custody outcome. In contrast, parental alienation will likely damage your prospects of spending time with the kids after divorce.

 Stalking

 Last but not least, avoid stalking your ex at all costs. Florida considers this to be a form of domestic violence, and it can affect many aspects of your divorce. First, it may cause the court to lose trust in you. Second, it may make your ex less likely to choose an uncontested divorce, as they may not feel comfortable negotiating with you in the same room. Finally, stalking can make it more difficult to pursue positive custody outcomes.

 Failing to See a Divorce Lawyer in Orlando 

Another common mistake is failing to book a consultation with a divorce lawyer in Orlando. Even if you believe that there is still hope for the marriage, a conversation with a lawyer could provide you with greater insights. Remember, your spouse can move forward with the divorce even if you do not want to end the marriage. To learn more about the next steps, contact Steve Marsee, P.A. today.

Sources: 

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.075.html

childwelfare.gov/resources/determining-best-interests-child-florida/