7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Going Through a Divorce in Utah

Going through a divorce in Utah can be hard. Although fewer couples are getting divorced now, Utah still has the eighth-highest divorce rate in the United States. The divorce process in Utah is emotionally the most turbulent period in your life. In this emotionally charged process, you are likely to make the mistakes that have plagued many divorcing couples.

That’s where a divorce attorney in Utah comes in. They can help you avoid common pitfalls that could take your divorce from bad to worse. It’s easier to avoid these mistakes when you know what could happen.

Let’s talk about common blunders people make during divorce proceedings and how to avoid them.

1. Not Knowing the Utah Divorce Process

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not understanding the Utah divorce process. If you don’t know how the process works, you might end up with totally unexpected results. That could mean getting your divorce delayed, losing your child custody rights, or losing more assets in property division than you expected.

This is where consulting a divorce attorney in Utah can help. They know the process like the back of their hand. Your lawyer can help you understand the steps involved in the process. If you’ve hired a lawyer, listen to their advice.

2. Ignoring Utah Divorce Laws

Another area where many slip up is not knowing the Utah divorce laws. You don’t have to become an expert in divorce law overnight. But knowing what the laws dictate can help you prepare for the divorce mentally and financially.

For example, most court orders award custody to one or both parents of the minor child. Sometimes, the court may award custody to another adult, like a grandparent. The court will always consider what’s in the best interest of children.

Utah divorce laws can be tricky. You are bound to make mistakes if you fail to understand them. So, when you hire a lawyer, discuss your doubts with them at length. This will help you make informed decisions at every step.

3. Not Disclosing All Your Assets and Debts

One more common pitfall is not disclosing all assets and debts. This is key in any divorce case in Utah. You must disclose all your assets and debts when filing for divorce in Utah. Utah is an equitable distribution state. That means the court will divide the marital assets and debts fairly but not necessarily equally between the divorcing couple.

If you hide or forget to mention any assets or debts, the consequences may include:

Steep fines
Increased alimony
Paying the attorney and court fees for the other party
Facing criminal charges for contempt of court

Disclosing all your assets and debts is not just about being honest. It’s about making sure the divorce is fair to both sides. Hiring a divorce attorney in Utah can help a lot. They can assist you in identifying and listing all your assets and debts and sort things out smoothly and fairly.

4. Refusing or Avoiding Mediation

Mediation is a critical step in the Utah divorce process. In Utah, divorcing couples must participate in at least one mediation session if it’s a contested divorce. Mediation offers a chance for both spouses to talk and try to settle things without a long and stressful court battle.

A good divorce attorney in Utah will often suggest mediation. It’s a faster and more peaceful way to settle disagreements than a trial. It saves time and money, which you would rather spend rebuilding your life after divorce.

5. Underestimating the Emotional Impact of Divorce

The emotional impact of divorce is another area that’s often overlooked. Terminating your marriage, even if it was a short one, is a life-altering decision. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize how hard the emotional side of divorce can be. It is a common cause of depression, with 50% of all divorces reportedly ending in depressive episodes.

Ignoring your emotional health during a divorce can lead to poor decision-making. Sometimes, you may make quick decisions just to get it over with, but they might not be in your best interest in the long run. A competent divorce attorney in Utah knows this only too well. They can help you avoid making rash decisions.

However, you must take care of yourself during and after the divorce. Maybe you can talk to a counselor or join a support group. This lowers your emotional baggage and helps you think more clearly.

6. Neglecting Your Children’s Needs

Divorce is often tough on children. Never put them in the middle of yours. It can hurt your kids even more if you make them pick sides or use them as messengers. It will also impact your divorce proceedings as Utah courts put the well-being of children front and center.

A skilled divorce attorney in Utah will tell you to keep your kids out of the divorce drama. They shouldn’t have to hear about your bitter feelings for each other. For example, never bad mouth the other parent in front of your children.

Instead, focus on your children’s well-being. Your kids love you both. They deserve equal love and care from both parents. So, be with them during these trying times.

7. Not Thinking About the Future

This is one of the common mistakes in a divorce. During a divorce, it’s easy to get caught up in the now and forget to plan ahead. However, divorce is a life-altering event. It will have long-term financial and emotional consequences. That makes it necessary to plan your future.

The question is, where does a divorce attorney in Utah fit into this? With the lawyer taking care of the legal proceedings, you can focus on emotional well-being and future planning. The lawyer will keep you away from the stress related to legal proceedings.

When planning the future, think about your long-term needs and goals.

For example, consider their school and other needs if you have children. Think about what they will need five to ten years from now. Similarly, think about your financial needs and future. This is a critical consideration if you ask for alimony or child support.

Conclusion

Going through a divorce in Utah is never easy. You face many potential pitfalls and challenges along the way. However, knowing these common mistakes and working with a skilled divorce attorney in Utah can help you complete this journey smoothly. At Henriksen & Henriksen, we offer more than just legal advice. We help you overcome these challenges with confidence.

Don’t walk this path alone. Our team of trusted divorce lawyers in Utah is here to help you every step of the way. Please use our confidential form or call (801) 521-4145 to see how we can help.