Behavior During a Divorce Proceeding | Dos and Don’ts

When it comes to divorce proceedings, there are certain things you will want to make sure you do, and certain things to avoid. Your behavior and the actions you take can impact your divorce in many ways. Read on to learn more about divorce proceedings in New Jersey.

Do:

The goal of a divorce for any spouse is for the proceedings to go as smoothly as possible. In order to help this process along the way, spouses can benefit from engaging in the following actions:

• Change passwords to all email accounts and social media sites
• Disclose all assets and liabilities when filling out your inventory
• Be aware of the household budget and expenses
• Collect your last two tax returns, real estate deeds, and mortgage documents
• Examine your credit history and get a credit report
• Know the total balance on any joint checking and savings bank accounts
• Know the balance on your retirement plans, 401(k), pension plan, etc.
• Get a copy of your spouse’s last two paycheck stubs
• Seek out a CPA or accountant to help review the tax implications of your divorce
• Seek help for any alcohol or illegal substance abuse
• Keep a journal to document the exchange and pick up of any children you have
• Keep any copies of money paid to your spouse
• Be sure to pay your child support on time
• Maintain good co-parenting practices with your spouse
• Comply with any court-ordered injunctions and restrictions

Don’t:

On the other hand, there are also just as many actions that should be avoided during this time. While some may seem harmless, they have the potential to significantly alter the proceedings. This can include: 

• Keep things from your attorney
• Post anything on social media that can be used against you
• Post information regarding your divorce on social media
• Withhold visitation from your spouse for their failure to make child support payments
• Move out of state with your children
• Start another romantic relationship during the proceedings
• Bring a new significant other around your children or the court hearings
• Get pregnant or get anyone pregnant
• Remove children from their current school
• Buy real estate or any extravagant items while the divorce is pending
• Sell property without the court’s permission
• Send mean or negative emails, texts, messages, etc. to your spouse
• Increase your debt while the divorce is pending
• Give large contributions to anyone during the proceedings
• Discuss the case with your children or use them as intermediaries
• Criticize your spouse in front of your children

If you are getting divorced and you have any questions or concerns about how to handle divorce proceedings, reach out to our firm today to discuss.

Contact our Firm

If you need an experienced legal team to guide you through your divorce, contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark L.L.C today.