As much as you may want to keep your divorce a closely guarded secret, it is natural to confide in friends and family members as you dissolve your marriage. However, announcing it invariably leads to advice about what you should be entitled to and how you should treat your soon-to-be ex based on their experiences or what they may see on television.
Indeed, people close to you may want the best for you, but they may not understand how the law applies to your unique situation. Nonetheless, unsolicited advice is fairly common. While some pieces of advice may do more harm than good, others are actually very helpful. This post will identify a few of them.
Maturity is essential – Couples in the midst of a divorce tend to let their emotions drive their decisions, especially toward actions that raise their ire. So withholding property or access to children, as well as social media rants and attacks are examples of bitterness that do more harm than good. Suffice it to say, a certain level of maturity is essential for a productive divorce.
Your divorce is unique – Keep in mind that every divorce is different. So the horror stories you hear about other divorces may not apply to you.
Know your attorney’s role – Some divorcees may ask their attorney to resolve issues that are better suited for a therapist. Keep in mind that you need a lawyer for his or her legal expertise, not for their therapeutic skills.
Pick your battles – As we alluded to earlier, not every disagreement should lead to a protracted legal battle. After all, fighting over little things can cost more than just money.
If you have additional questions about divorce in Tennessee, an experienced family law attorney can advise you.