If you spent some time talking to your friends and family about your divorce, you probably received a lot of interesting advice at this point, some of which might be wholly based on myths. Although their intentions are probably in the right place, divorce myths are so prevalent in our society that many people often cannot discern the difference between truth and myth, which means all the heartfelt advice you received might lead you astray.
Knowing the Difference Between Truth and Myth
Before you embark on the divorce process, it is important to debunk some of the most common myths, so your judgment is not clouded by these misperceptions.
Read on to learn the truth about some of the most common divorce myths:
- When you commit adultery, you lose everything: Adultery might have been the reason for your split, but it will not cause you to lose everything in a divorce. You will still be entitled to your share of marital estate unless you wasted a substantial amount of marital assets on your lover. It is also unlikely to have an impact on your child custody arrangement. If your lover has a criminal history and you brought him or her around your children, a judge might factor this into a custody decision, but the mere act of having an affair will not put you at a disadvantage.
- The mother always gets custody of the children: Mothers were once seen as the primary caregivers of their children and often won custodial guardianship. Their win is not automatic nowadays. Instead, the custodial parent will be the one who can best serve the best interests of the children. In some cases, that might be the mother. In others, it might be the father. Do not assume that you cannot be the custodial parent of your children because of your gender.
- Your spouse can refuse a divorce: Your spouse cannot prevent you from getting a divorce if you no longer wish to remain married. His or her refusal can complicate things a bit, but you can ultimately end the marriage with or without your spouse’s cooperation.
- You do not need a lawyer: You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but that does not mean hiring one is unnecessary. The divorce process can become complicated and, unless you are familiar with family law, you will have a difficult time navigating it with efficiency. Moreover, some of the mistakes you make can potentially cost more in the long run, so it is best to do it right the first time and hire an attorney.
Speak to a Knowledgeable Attorney
If you are getting a divorce, you will need experienced legal guidance and knowledgeable representation on your side to help you get through it as smoothly as possible. At K. Dean Kantaras, P.A., our divorce team dedicated to helping clients get through this emotionally challenging process and protecting their interests.
Contact our law office today at (727) 939-6113 to schedule an initial consultation with a trusted member of our legal team.