What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid in Texas Divorce Proceedings?

 Posted on September 20, 2023 in Divorce

Going through a divorce in Texas can be extremely difficult on top of being a potentially complex legal process. Without guidance from a family law attorney, many people make critical mistakes that can negatively impact their case both in the near and long term. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to avoid if you are getting divorced in Texas.

Failing to Gather Important Documents Early On

Not having all your financial statements, tax returns, property records, mortgage documents, investment accounts, and other key paperwork organized ahead of time can significantly stall the legal proceedings. Make copies of all shared assets and debts. Locate any prenups, marital agreements, or deeds. Do not make your lawyer hunt down disorganized paperwork.

Forgetting to Change Beneficiaries

It is crucial to remember to update life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and any other assets that still designate your soon-to-be ex-spouse as beneficiary. Failing to remove your spouse could award them funds later on outside the divorce settlement. Updating beneficiaries prevents problems down the road.

Staying in the Same House During Proceedings

Continuing to live together in the marital home during the divorce process usually leads to more arguments, distrust, and overall tension. With emotions already running high, trying to resolve disputes over finances, child custody arrangements, and property division all under one roof makes it much harder to reach agreements. Physical separation facilitates the legal separation.

Venting About Your Divorce on Social Media

Posting social media rants about your spouse or details of your Texas divorce provides evidence the other side can likely obtain and potentially use against you. No matter how tempting, resist airing your frustrations and sensitive information online. Keep the details of your divorce proceedings off of Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms.

Hiding Assets or Debts from Your Spouse

Failing to fully disclose all shared assets and debts to your spouse and the court could undermine entire agreements later on if hidden accounts or liabilities are eventually discovered. Lying by omission constitutes fraud and can jeopardize your entire case. Texas judges take transparency very seriously.

Contact a Frisco Divorce Lawyer

Avoiding these and other common mistakes takes discipline and focus during an already difficult situation. A Texas divorce attorney provides invaluable guidance so you can confidently navigate the intricacies of divorce and achieve the most favorable outcome. Call The Law Office of Linda Risinger at 972-294-6533 to start with a free consultation and begin your journey.