South Carolina sees its fair share of divorces each year. While both parties tend to go into the divorce trying to come out with the best financial future and child custody rights possible, very few leave the divorce proceedings with what they originally wanted. Unfortunately, many make some common divorce mistakes that can alter their desires.
Focusing too much effort on the house
One of the biggest assets that you and your former partner may have is a house. When you decide that divorce is imminent, your thoughts may go to ensuring that you get to keep the house. Many people look at their home as the ultimate prize of divorce. In reality, that prize comes along with many costs, including maintenance, sudden repair bills, taxes and so forth. First, you should look at the big picture of whether you’ll be able to financially handle the house.
Holding steady instead of budging
While you may have worked out your ideal divorce goals in your mind, it’s likely that your former spouse’s goals are much different. It’s all right not to want to concede on various issues like child custody. However, you should realize that sometimes you may have to budge to allow a feasible compromise. When you don’t know why you’re still fighting for a particular asset, it should be an indication that it’s time to rethink your stance.
Only considering each asset’s current value
It can seem simple to value all of your marital assets and split them down the middle. Each party walks away with assets that add up to the same value. However, will those assets have the same value in the future? In most cases, assets like your home will appreciate as the years go by. You need to take that appreciation into account when determining who gets what.
When you go through a divorce, it can be easy to stumble upon these common mishaps. It’s vital that you take a deep breath and assess the entire situation. You don’t make the same mistakes that many other people have. Consult with your attorney on these issues.