No one likes to discuss divorce. The word itself conveys a sense of the heartbreak that can occur when a family decides that it life is best lived apart. And if there are children involved, questions about custody and parental legal rights in family court can often become so tense that it effects the relationship between parents and their children.
Divorce and family court comes with a lot of anxieties and questions. There are definitely some dos and don’ts of the process, especially if there is a custody battle. The way you behave both in and outside the courtroom can affect the outcome of the separation and determine who gets custody of the children and how assets are divided. So it’s really important that you retain the legal services of a reputable and experienced family court and divorce lawyer. But until then, here are the top five family court and divorce tips for you to consider both before and during the divorce process.
Family Court Tip: Try to Mediate
As we have discussed in previous posts, mediation and negotiation are, most of the time, better than relying on the family court for a judgement. In mediation, you and your spouse can discuss, frankly and honestly, the terms of the separation, asset division and any custody and visitation arrangements for your children and decide on what is best for the both of you. You don’t have to best friends. All you need to have is the willingness to communicate.
Family Court Tip: Disclose Everything
It is important to both your case and the security of your finances that you disclose, upfront and without omission, all of your assets. If, in the course of the mediation or family court case, it is discovered that you have withheld information about the value of your assets, this will not speak well to your character and can not only impact the future of your finances but the time you get with your children in the form a custody ruling. And with child custody hearings, anything that looks bad, is bad.
Family Court Tip: Follow all Court Orders
This seems obvious, but it cannot be overstated. It is important that you follow all directions handed down by the court on matters of visitation, finances and child custody. Any bad behavior on your part can both strengthen the opposing party’s claims against you and anger the judge.
Family Court Tip: Avoid Social Media
With the rise of the internet and social media, many have made the mistake of putting their private thoughts about a divorce proceeding in the public sphere. Do not post anything related to your spouse, how angry you are anything about your divorce on social media, especially if the case is particularly contentious. Anything can be used against you in the new media age. Be careful with what you say and to whom you say it.
Family Court Tips: Children
If you have children, it is important that you put their welfare above your ego, even if that means that you don’t get custody of them. If, by circumstances of location, stability and proximity to school, the children are better served by being in the custody of your former spouse, that is where they should be. The divorce process is hard enough for children as it is. It is important that you and your spouse limit any drastic changes outside of what is already occurring.
Reno Family Court with Kalicki Collier Law
The family court and divorce attorneys at Kalicki Collier understand both the legal and emotional needs of divorce clients. Our expert Reno divorce attorneys seek only to make the process of legal separation as quick, efficient and painless as possible. The whole Kalicki Collier Law Team will be behind you during this difficult process and be your guide to navigating the family legal system. Contact us today to get in touch with one of our caring and professional divorce attorneys.