Three of the Most Costly Mistakes Leavers Make |
New Year, New Filings
As January approaches, many people begin scheduling consultations with family law attorneys to talk about divorce. So many, in fact, that January has earned the nickname “Divorce Month,” with the first Monday of the year often referred to as “Divorce Monday.”
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been contemplating a split for quite some time. When people finally reach the point of action, however, they often make avoidable mistakes—particularly when it comes to how they tell their spouse they want out. These missteps can dramatically increase emotional fallout, conflict, and even legal costs.
Before you make your move, consider the following cautionary tales.
When You Gotta Go, Do You Really Gotta Go That Way?
Ending a marriage is never easy. There are no perfect ways to break the news—only less painful ones. Still, some approaches cause unnecessary harm and permanently damage any chance of a respectful or cooperative separation.
Below are three common (and costly) ways people get it wrong.
The Blind-Sider: The Impersonal, Out-of-the-Blue Announcement
Mark and Jenny had been married for eight years. Over time, their relationship grew distant, and Mark quietly decided he no longer wanted to be married. Instead of initiating conversations or expressing dissatisfaction along the way, he kept his thoughts to himself.
One night, seemingly out of nowhere, Mark announced, “I want a divorce. We’re done.”
Jenny knew they had problems—what couple doesn’t? She had no idea Mark was that unhappy. Even during arguments, he never indicated he was contemplating leaving. The abrupt declaration left her shocked, hurt, and........