What Not to Do During a Tennessee Divorce

September 22, 2012 (Press-News.org) Going through a divorceis one of the most stressful things that can happen to a person. People often feel like their entire lives have been turned upside down and do not know how to react. In the emotional turmoil that often accompanies divorce, many people make mistakes that come back to haunt them. People in Tennessee who are divorcing should be aware of some common mistakes people make during divorce and how to avoid them.

Moving Out of the Marital Home

Remaining under the same roof with a spouse while going through divorce may not seem like an appealing idea at all, but it is not necessarily wise for either spouse to move out of the marital home during the divorce. Both parties have the right to be in the home until a divorce property settlement says otherwise. Additionally, both parties have the responsibility to pay the expenses for the marital home, such as rent or mortgage, utilities and insurance. If one spouse moves out, that means that he or she may have to support the expenses of two households, which does not make sense financially.

Hiding Assets

Sometimes people panic in the face of divorce and try to hide assets from their spouses. Some may empty joint bank accounts and move funds into accounts with only their names on them or keep cash in safe deposit boxes. However, such attempts at subterfuge will reflect negatively on a person's credibility with the court if discovered. The court will not trust the person to be forthcoming in any matters, not just financial ones.

Online Behavior

People need to be especially vigilant about their online activities during divorce. Information from social networking sites is becoming more common as evidence in divorce and child custody cases, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

It is wise for people to limit their online activities during divorce. People going through divorce need to ensure that the information they share online cannot be taken out of context and used against them, such as photographs or posts showing drinking, drug use, guns, dangerous behaviors, expensive vacations or new partners. Spouses may use such information to portray the posting spouse as an unfit parent or as someone who is wealthy enough to afford more child and spousal support payments. People should resist posting disparaging comments about their spouses, as well, as such comments could make the posting spouse appear emotionally unstable or threatening.

Legal Representation

Divorce can be costly. In the face of losing assets in the property division that accompanies divorce, it may be tempting to try to save money by proceeding through the divorce without hiring an attorney. However, hiring an experienced divorce lawyer is recommended for a person to protect his or her interests and ensure that the divorce settlement is fair.

Article provided by The Law Office of David L. Scott
Visit us at http://www.attorneydavidscott.com