Whether you’ve contemplated divorce for years or it’s come about suddenly, you should know how to protect yourself in a divorce. Otherwise, you may be subject to unfair divorce agreements, child support payments, and a generally imbalanced divorce.
Protecting yourself during a divorce is not a task easily conducted alone. It generally requires the knowledge, experience, and third-party calm of a proven divorce attorney.
If you’re contemplating divorce in Ohio, speak with an experienced divorce lawyer before signing any agreements or going to court. Contact the Law Office of Dimitry Borshchak for a free initial consultation today.
Continue reading to learn how to protect yourself in a divorce.
Tip #1: How to Financially Protect Yourself in a Divorce
More than 40 percent of marriages eventually end in divorce in the U.S. With that in mind, most people who intend to get divorced in Ohio are most worried about their finances. Listed below are a few tips to help you protect yourself financially in a Divorce.
- Legalize the divorce as quickly as possible to protect current and future assets
- Monitor all activity on your credit reports
- Pay off all joint debt (if you can)
- Transfer 50 percent of your joint bank balances to a separate account
- Don’t give up control of your finances or assets
- Understand your tax liabilities
Tip #2: How to Protect Your Children in Divorce
Divorce isn’t easy for you, your spouse, and especially your children. Protecting your children in divorce requires more than a one-size-fits-all solution. Every divorce in Ohio is different. Generally, every parent should consider the followings methods to protect their children in divorce:
- If possible, speak to your children together about the divorce
- Reinforce the idea that the divorce is not their fault
- Try not to speak negatively about your soon-to-be ex-spouse
- Keep your children’s routines as normal as possible
- Communicate often with your children
- Allow them the emotional space to react however they see fit
- Offer them support
Tip #3: How to Protect Your Mental Health in Divorce
Divorce can lead to negative self-talk, worsening of underlying mental health conditions, and an abnormal amount of stress on anyone.
Protecting your mental health in a divorce is essential for all parties involved (i.e., you, your children, and your spouse). Otherwise, it can have a detrimental effect on divorce and child custody proceedings.
You can start the journey of protecting your mental health during a divorce by doing the following:
- Give yourself permission to feel angry, sad, remorseful, etc. – it’s okay. You’re human
- Use the strength of your inner circle and mental health professionals
- Avoid useless arguments and power struggles with your ex
- Give yourself time to grieve the relationship
- Invest in learning more about yourself
Tip #4: How to Defend Yourself in Divorce Court
It’s never recommended to represent yourself in any legal matter – that includes divorce. However, should you choose to represent yourself in a divorce, you should be aware of all Ohio divorce laws (including local rules).
Furthermore, you must learn court procedures and expectations. Lastly, you should be in the right “frame of mind” if you choose to represent yourself in divorce proceedings. Seeking to hurt your ex financially or damage their parent-child relationship can lead to unfavorable consequences.
If you’re contemplating a divorce without a lawyer in Ohio, it’s in your best interest to at least take advantage of a free consultation from an experienced divorce attorney.
Tip #5: Tips on Finding the Best Divorce Lawyer in Ohio
Most people don’t just want any divorce lawyer. They want the best divorce lawyer in Columbus, Ohio for their specific circumstances. The problem is that you won’t know who is the best divorce lawyer unless you fully vet them and do your research.
Listed below are a few tips to help you find the best family law lawyer for your situation:
- Educate yourself about the divorce process in Ohio before consulting an attorney
- Ask friends and relatives for recommendations (if possible)
- Work with an attorney who specializes in divorce, family law, and child custody issues
- Interview multiple divorce attorneys before making a final decision
- Ask about billing, communication expectations, and your lawyer’s experience
- Check reviews online across multiple platforms (i.e., Google, Facebook, Avvo, etc.)
- Be honest with your divorce attorney
At the Law Office of Dmitriy Borschak, we’ve helped countless husbands and wives to end their marriage under the best possible circumstances for themselves and their children. We can do the same for you.
Perhaps the most important step in protecting yourself during divorce is the caliber of divorce attorney you hire. Contact us today for your free no-obligation consultation.
