4 common divorce mistakes to avoid

If you have plans to divorce, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 782,038 divorces occurred in the U.S. in 2018.

If this is your first divorce, it is easy to feel unsure about how you should handle the process. Make sure you avoid these common divorce mistakes to ensure ending your marriage goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Talking about your spouse negatively to your children

You may feel angry, frustrated and hurt about your divorce, but you should not talk badly to your children about your spouse. This can emotionally harm your children and may even hurt you when it comes time to develop a child custody plan.

2. Hiding marital assets

Even if you feel like your spouse is trying to take advantage of you, be completely open and honest about all marital assets. You could lose ground during your divorce case if you do this or even face criminal charges for fraud.

3. Letting your emotions obscure important decisions

The divorce process can bring up many intense emotions. Try to remain calm, logical and rational during divorce proceedings and negotiations to protect your children and interests.

4. Failing to comply with court orders

The court may issue orders about alimony, custody and other issues after you file for divorce. Make sure you fully understand the terms of all these orders and comply with them, even if you do not agree. Not abiding by court orders can create time-consuming complications during your divorce.