The divorce attorneys at Rodier Family Law explain the most common settlement pitfalls to avoid during the divorce process.

In the midst of all the despair and stress that may arise when going through a divorce, people often agree to irrational financial decisions that may have harsh consequences on their future after the divorce is finalized. While the circumstances can be overwhelming, it is critical to consider the four most common areas that many people overlook.

Housing

For many individuals, there is no distinction between a house and a home. There is an undeniable emotional attachment to the walls that have sheltered many memories with the family, and it is often difficult to lose such a sentimental object in which they have greatly invested. Unfortunately, a divorce potentially not only means losing a source of income, but it also means losing an extra hand to help with maintaining the house.

Although it can be difficult for a family to experience a life-altering change such as selling a house, it is important to realistically consider your future situation after a divorce. Choose a course of action that would allow you to secure desirable housing accommodations post-divorce without a significant financial burden.

Selling Assets

Consider the cost of selling any assets from a marital settlement. In addition to calculating the current value of the investment, you should also account for the costs of liquidation—the process of selling or redistributing assets. Keep in mind that the current value of the investment may differ from the cost of liquidation, either for better or worse. Before you sell properties such as a vacation home, consider capital gains, depreciation recapture, realtor fees and other general sales expenses in your overarching financial picture.

Vindictiveness

In more cases than not, the end of a marriage is not the most pleasant experience to partake in, and couples who face such circumstances are not always parting on civil terms. At times, parties succumb to the makings of a toxic environment, which can lead to malicious and deceptive behavior. Acting in a way that prevents the ability to mediate and discuss issues in a constructive manner creates additional financial burdens by way of bringing on private investigators or third party evaluators. Although some situations call for these specialists, more times than not, their services can be avoided if couples forgo any vindictive mindsets and cooperate as much as possible throughout the divorce process.

Short-Term Planning

A divorce can leave many individuals far too vulnerable to consider the long-term effects of their financial decisions made throughout the process. Often times, short-sightedness of a fleeting moment can lead to drastic consequences in the future. For instance, some people acquire more assets that they no longer need such as a large house or a vacation home. If they decide to sell such properties, they could initially turn profit. However, people tend to fall into traps when receiving a large sum of money over a short period of time. Many do so by recklessly spending money instead of responsibly saving or investing. It may take some people more time to mentally adjust to the changes during a divorce, so they may neglect the fact that monetary income structures could change too. It’s critical to consider the various adjustments that will occur as a result of the divorce and plan ahead for the future.

Consulting with your divorce attorney can help ease the burdens associated with each area mentioned above. Your divorce attorney will also guide you through the divorce process and help you to avoid falling victim to these traps so that you can begin to build a prosperous life after divorce.

For more information about the potential traps that are associated with a divorce or your personal family law- related matters, contact the divorce attorneys at Rodier Family Law today.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide about the subject matter. A licensed Maryland attorney should be sought about your specific circumstances.