Nobody gets married with the anticipation that they will eventually get divorced. You are optimistic and in love, but the unfortunate truth is that divorce is a frequent occurrence. Its commonness is likely little comfort if you are in the midst of a separation, but it is important not to lose sight of the future as you go through this process. Too many people become susceptible to stress and make regrettable mistakes.
There are several mistakes, in fact, that can seriously damage your case. Whether you are separating amicably or dealing with a contentious court battle, you should always be aware of the consequences your behavior may have. Avoid the following three errors that could be costly to your case.
1. Start dating immediately
According to the Huffington Post, dating during a divorce has both pros and cons. Ultimately, though, it can be legally unwise to begin seeing somebody new while you are still in the midst of divorcing your spouse. Allegations of cheating often carry significant weight in court, and you do not want to do anything that may support such a claim.
2. Badmouth ex on social media
Another ill-advised action is badmouthing your ex publicly. This will never accomplish anything positive, and publicly berating your spouse often appears abusive. This is increasingly common, though, as many people feel at liberty to speak freely on social media. Resist any urges to do this and instead seek out healthier—and more private—venues to vent your frustrations.
3. Use kids to communicate
If you and your ex have kids, you need to be even more cautious in considering your behavior during a divorce. You should never use children as messengers to communicate with your ex. This puts an enormous amount of pressure and stress on them. Similarly, you should never try to turn your kids against their other parent. This puts them in an unfair position of feeling like they must choose a parent.