Belleville Family Law Blog

Before you plan to divorce, you will probably have an idea that you want to separate from your spouse. Maybe they're not treating you well, or perhaps you've both just grown apart. Whatever the problem is, the reality is that you're interested in separating and getting a divorce.

While divorces are relatively straightforward, there are a few good reasons to talk to your attorney before you decide to divorce. Here are three reasons to head to your local attorney's office before talking to your spouse about divorce.

In today's day and age, most people enjoy spending time on social media. From Twitter to Facebook to Instagram, there's no shortage of content to post and people to connect with.

There's nothing wrong with using social media during the divorce process, but you must be extremely careful about what you share with your audience. Here are three mistakes that many people make:

• Sharing your private life: It's easy to vent on social media, especially since you don't have to talk to anyone face to face. Unfortunately, doing so can lead to more harm than good, as you're sharing intimate details with people who are close to you as well as those you don't know very well.
• Posting incriminating information: For example, if you post images of you partying all weekend long, it will look bad on you when fighting for custody of your children.
• Speaking poorly about your soon to be ex-spouse: Once again, you may be tempted to vent on social media. This is even more so the case if you know the other person will see it. Not only can negative comments impact your divorce, but it could also result in a serious defamation lawsuit if you take things too far.

Once you decide to divorce, you may feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders. You may also turn your attention to the future, as you realize you now have full control over every decision you make.

While it's important to make key changes that allow you to live a better life, here are some mistakes you should avoid during or shortly after your divorce:

• Drastic changes to your appearance: For example, don't rush into getting a tattoo or plastic surgery. These may be things you do in the future, but wait until you have a clear mind before making such a big decision.
• Don't share too much with your ex-spouse: In the event that you still have contact with your ex, such as when co-parenting, it's important to stick to the essential details. There's no reason to share information on your personal life.
• Don't overlook the power of counseling: Divorce will change your life in many ways, so it never hurts to speak with a counselor or therapist. A few conversations can help you better understand your feelings and how to cope with them.
• Speaking out on social media: In today's world, it's often easier to share your thoughts on social media than it is in person. Don't bad-mouth your ex on social media, as doing so will cause more harm than good.

As you go through the divorce process, you understand how important it is to keep your children in mind. You want to do whatever you can to provide a routine that allows them to avoid disruption in their day-to-day life.

If you're granted visitation rights, stick with your schedule to ensure yourself of spending quality time with your children. Also, consider other ideas for remaining a big part of their life, such as virtual visitation.