If you’re going through a divorce, you’re facing some challenging emotional struggles, and you will likely need to vent from time to time. These challenges are part of the process. While you may be tempted to pull out all the stops by sharing every last detail about your spouse’s wrongdoing, it’s not going to do you, your children, or your case any good.
Ultimately, the court tends to reward those who maintain their dignity and refrain from bad-mouthing one another throughout the divorce process. Aligning your own conduct with this expectation is almost certain to work in your favor. Another important first step is consulting with an experienced Killeen divorce attorney.
Don’t Ignore Your Own Health and Well-Being
Even a relatively calm divorce can be brutal on your emotional well-being. Divorce is an immense transition that can take some getting used to, especially when your parental and financial rights are on the line. While gossiping about your soon-to-be ex may bring you satisfaction in the moment, it won’t provide you with the emotional support or solace you’re looking for.
The bottom line is that if your divorce leaves you feeling adrift, you can’t be there for your children as fully as you need and want to be. By seeking the help you need when you need it, you pave the way for a less hectic and less dramatic divorce that will not only be easier on you and your children but can also bolster your divorce terms.
When it comes to supporting your own mental health as you make your way through the divorce process, consider the following advice:
Be selective about who you share with – sticking to trusted friends and family members is well advised.
Join a divorce support group.
Discuss your concerns with a skilled counselor.
Carve out some time for yourself – whether that means finding a new hobby, reigniting your interest in an old hobby, joining a book club, spending time with friends, or doing anything else that appeals to you.
Don’t forget to maintain structure and a schedule in your children’s home life.
Don’t skimp on fun activities with your kids while your divorce is pending – it can do you all a world of good.
Yes, divorce is a journey that you’ll need to make your way through, but white-knuckling it isn’t a great approach. Not only does it leave you more vulnerable to less-than-favorable terms, but it can also make the process itself more difficult. Finding balance as you move forward is always the best practice.
A compassionate divorce lawyer can guide you through your case and help you find balance. Contact us today to schedule a FREE divorce consultation.
Actively Embarrassing Your Divorcing Spouse Can Be Interpreted as Cruelty
Most divorces in Texas are no-fault, which means that neither spouse needs to prove that the other is at fault. Texas also offers a fault-based option that allows you to seek a divorce based on the following kinds of wrongdoing:
Cruelty
Adultery
Abandonment
Felony conviction
The vast majority of Texas divorces are no-fault and also uncontested, meaning the spouses resolve the divorce terms between themselves and don’t require the court’s intervention. Uncontested divorces come with the following advantages:
They are generally less contentious.
They are generally less expensive.
They are generally less time-consuming.
Gossiping about and bad-mouthing one’s spouse while the divorce is pending could potentially support a divorce based on cruelty, which can directly affect the division of marital property, alimony, and even parenting time in favor of the spouse who successfully claims the other’s fault.
Texas courts strive to ensure that divorce cases are conducted within the framework of fairness and justice, and taunting your spouse simply doesn’t fit this mold. Conducting yourself with decorum and treating your divorcing spouse and the court with clear respect is always the right policy.
Social Media Affords New Avenues into Divorce Warfare
Spreading nasty rumors about your divorcing spouse by word of mouth is bad enough, but social media can take things to entirely new levels. Most of us turn to social media to share the good, the bad, and the ugly with those we know and love – as well as with those we barely know or know only by association.
When you post a real doozy about your divorce, it can provide a momentary sense of relief, but it can also damage your case. Protect your legal interests by speaking with a Killeen divorce attorney before taking to social media.
Privacy and Social Media
Regardless of how careful you are with your privacy settings, you should only post content that wouldn’t concern you if it made its way to court – because it could. Even something you post and immediately delete can prove damaging. All it takes is a well-timed screenshot.
When it comes to social media, there is no true privacy, and the best course of action is simply taking a break from your accounts while your divorce is pending.
Toning Down the Drama
Social media has a way of fanning the flames of divorce drama. While sharing your story and getting people on your side may feel good in the short term, it’s not going to strengthen your case. A better approach is taking the high road by showing the court you are ready to negotiate fairly with your ex, which can save time, money, and heartache.
There Is an Audience for Divorce Gossip
It can be intoxicating to discover that everyone is hanging on your every word when it comes to your divorce war stories, which can make bad-mouthing your divorcing spouse a slippery slope. Once you get started, it can be hard to let go of the attention. But the momentary relief you experience is not worth the damage it can cause your children and your case.
Your children don’t want to hear ugly information about either parent, and any gossiping you engage in can easily find its way back to them. If you need guidance on protecting your children during divorce, a family law attorney in Killeen can help.
If Your Ex Is Acting Up
If your soon-to-be ex is working overtime to bash your reputation, a counterattack only brings you down to his or her level. Proceeding with your head held high will serve you well and can provide peace of mind, knowing you’re doing the right thing for your children and yourself.
Child Custody in Texas
Texas divides child custody into legal and physical custody. Both are based on the children’s best interests. All things being equal, this generally means both parents will participate in legal custody and receive ample parenting time.
Legal Custody
Parents generally share legal custody, which means making decisions like the following together:
The children’s health care
The children’s schooling
The children’s extracurriculars and travel
The children’s religious upbringing
Another option is that one parent has tie-breaking authority. Exes can also divide these decisions by topic.
Physical Custody
Physical custody determines parenting time. The general goal is for children to spend considerable time with each parent. If there is a significant reason for ruling otherwise – such as parental alienation or cruelty toward the other parent – Texas courts will take this into account.
Best Interest Factors
The following best interest factors guide child custody decisions in Texas divorce cases:
Each parent’s willingness to meet the children’s physical, mental, educational, and emotional needs
The depth of each parent’s relationship with the children
Each parent’s level of involvement
Each parent’s willingness to support the other’s relationship with the children
Each parent’s commitment to effective co-parenting
Trying to embarrass your spouse can reflect poorly on your co-parenting ability. This, in turn, can negatively impact your custody case. If you have custody concerns, don’t wait to speak with a Killeen family lawyer.
The Division of Marital Property
In Texas, all assets acquired during the marriage are considered marital property and must be divided fairly in divorce. If you are found to have intentionally humiliated your spouse, the court can read this as cruelty – potentially affecting your property division.
Even in no-fault divorces, your conduct during the process matters. Keep in mind that your behavior can directly influence the terms of your divorce settlement.
Alimony
Failing to treat your spouse with civility and respect can also impact alimony. Alimony is not common in Texas and is typically only awarded when one spouse cannot meet his or her reasonable needs and the other has the financial ability to help.
If the court sees you as engaging in cruelty through attempts to embarrass your spouse, it could jeopardize your entitlement to alimony or improve your spouse’s chances of receiving it.
How a Focused Divorce Attorney Can Help
Divorce can leave you feeling all alone, and it’s not unusual to misstep. One of the most important steps you can take in your pursuit of advantageous divorce terms is working closely with a formidable divorce attorney who can take action in the following ways to help you in your case:
Guide you smoothly through the process
Help you focus on your divorce priorities
Assist in avoiding common missteps
Skillfully negotiate for favorable terms
Make the Call to an Experienced Killeen Divorce Attorney Today
Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is a seasoned Killeen divorce attorney who understands the emotional challenges of divorce and is well-equipped to help you navigate the process and pursue favorable terms. Call us at (254) 781-4222 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation today.