Do’s and Don’ts of Divorce

Divorce cases are uncharted territory for most people, and those people who find themselves embroiled in a divorce may be uncertain as to what they should or should not do. Certain actions taken in a divorce proceeding can have serious consequences, and it is important for anyone involved in a divorce to understand how their behavior could impact their rights. If you are considering ending your marriage or have been served with papers instituting a divorce action, it is advisable to retain a knowledgeable Dallas divorce lawyer to advise you of how you should proceed and what you can do to protect your rights and assets. At McClure Law Group, we have the skill and experience to guide you through the process of ending your marriage, and we will zealously advocate on your behalf while guiding you through the do’s and don’ts of divorce.

If you are a party in a divorce action, there are specific steps you can take to protect your rights and help your case proceed as seamlessly as possible. First, if you are considering filing for divorce or have been served with divorce papers, you can retain a skilled attorney adept at handling divorce cases in Dallas. Once you have hired an attorney, it is critical to be candid with your attorney regarding your behavior and your spouse’s behavior during the marriage, your assets and income, and any pre-marital or post-marital agreements that may affect either your rights or the rights of your estranged spouse. It is also vital to comply with any court-imposed orders or deadlines, as the failure to abide by the court’s instructions can negatively impact your case and your rights.

If you are the person filing for divorce, you must also consider whether to file a no-fault or fault-based petition, both of which are permitted under Texas law. A no-fault divorce petition simply asserts that the marriage is not supportable, and there is no reasonable hope that you and your spouse will reconcile. Conversely, a fault-based divorce alleges that your spouse is responsible for the breakdown of your marriage, due to one of the several grounds enumerated by the Texas legislature.

If the court finds that your spouse is at fault for the downfall of your marriage, it can affect the distribution of property. Even if your spouse’s behavior caused you to seek a divorce, however, in some cases, it is prudent to file a no-fault divorce petition to avoid hostility and protracted litigation. A seasoned family law lawyer can advise you with regard to the do’s and don’ts of this aspect of the divorce process.

Regardless of whether you and your soon to be ex-spouse have an amicable or contentious relationship, there are certain behaviors that are unwise to engage in during divorce proceedings. For example, it is important to refrain from posting negative things about your spouse on social media, or anything that your spouse could use against you, such as posts reflecting excessive alcohol consumption or reckless behavior. You should also refrain from threatening your spouse or accusing them of inappropriate behavior, as that could be used against you as well.

Additionally, you must not attempt to hide or divert any assets. Instead, it is essential to be truthful in your financial disclosures to the court to help the court distribute assets fairly. Additionally, your spouse may know that you are hiding or diverting assets and attempt to use it against you. If you are suspected of unfairly hiding income or assets, your spouse’s attorney will likely hire a forensic accountant to uncover your deceit.

People involved in divorce lawsuits are often unsure of what to do and are unaware of the ramifications of their actions. If you are deliberating regarding ending your marriage or your spouse has filed for divorce, a dedicated family law attorney can inform you of the appropriate steps to take, and the do’s and don’ts of the divorce process. At McClure Law Group, we can help you navigate your divorce proceedings and will work diligently to help you pursue a favorable result. We assist people in divorce actions in Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Richardson, Garland, McKinney, Frisco, and Rockwall. We also represent parties in family law matters in additional cities in Collin, Tarrant, Dallas, Grayson, Denton, and Rockwall Counties. We can be reached through our form online or at 214.692.8200 to set up a meeting to discuss your case.