PLAYING TOO NICE IN MICHIGAN DIVORCE MAY CAUSE LATER PROBLEMS

While being amicable as you wade through the divorce process can make the overall process easier, some suggest that Michigan couples should find a solid balance between their level of friendliness and their rights. A fair divorce that sufficiently meets spousal and child support needs and financial reality is all about compromise, however compromising too much may make it more difficult for both parties to survive should disaster strike. In order to keep this from happening, there are a few common mistakes that experts say should be avoided in divorce.

Some people make the mistake of keeping the house in the face of a tough economy. Even if it seems like a good idea to keep equity instead of liquid assets, the cost of maintaining a mortgage and homeowner expenses can be financially draining. There’s also the issue of reduced home values these days. Equity may not be all it’s cracked up to be.

The next mistake lies in not knowing the entire financial picture for yourself and your soon-to-be-ex. Not establishing guidelines for who will claim the children on taxes, for example, can cause a big problem down the road.

Another mistake is not seeking professional help when needed. Tax advisers, accountants or legal counsel may be beneficial to any divorce case to promote a healthy, stable agreement that benefits both parties. Additionally, some people may not be careful enough about what help is brought into the case. Being choosy about who handles certain aspects of a divorce and being clear about desired outcomes can be essential to success.

Being amicable is a sure plus in any Michigan divorce case. However, couples should keep their eyes open and tuned to what matters. Dealing with financial issues is often a cause of divorce in the first place, so handling these issues during and after divorce may be even more challenging. While these issues may present difficulties, they are not impossible to face with the right amount of communication and support.

Source: Reuters, “Divorce mistakes you can make by being too nice,” Geoff Williams, June 26, 2012