The 10 Do’s & Don’ts of Divorce

Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, especially when young children are involved. The emotional, financial, and legal complexities can feel overwhelming, but the stakes are even higher when you’re balancing your own well-being with your children’s needs.

This guide is designed to help parents navigate the complexities of divorce while keeping their children’s emotional and physical well-being at the forefront. From communicating age-appropriate information to maintaining routines and seeking professional support, these ten do’s and don’ts—tailored to Maryland’s legal landscape—will empower you to make thoughtful choices.?

While divorce will always come with challenges, having a plan and a focus on your family’s future can help you approach this transition with confidence and compassion.

Do:

1. Hire an Experienced Family Law Attorney

Divorce proceedings can be complicated. An experienced attorney will guide you through Maryland’s specific regulations on alimony, child support, child custody, and the division of marital property. They can also advise on the most suitable approach for your situation, whether through mutual consent, mediation, or court proceedings.

2. Prioritize Your Children’s Best Interests

No matter how old your children are, the divorce should stay between you and the other parent. Avoid involving your children in disputes or exposing them to court documents.

3. Consider the Professional Support of a Therapist or Counselor

Engaging with a therapist or counselor can provide valuable emotional support during this transition. Maryland offers various resources for individuals seeking mental health assistance during divorce.

Here is a list of therapists who specialize in divorce and separation from Psychology Today and Marriage.com.

4. Be Honest with Your Attorney

Full transparency allows your attorney to represent you effectively, especially concerning Maryland’s legal standards. Unexpected revelations can adversely affect your case. The last thing you want is for your attorney to be caught by surprise in the middle of a court battle.

5. Adjust Your Financial Planning

Divorce can impact your financial situation. Maryland follows equitable distribution laws, meaning assets are divided fairly, though not always equally. Consult your attorney before making any big purchases or cuts to your budgets.

Don’t:

6. Avoid Self-Representation

Don’t try to handle your divorce on your own.?Handling a divorce without professional assistance can lead to missed legal nuances. You can often become quickly overwhelmed and lost in the legal requirements. Do not waste time and money trying to take matters into your own hands. Hire an experienced family law attorney to handle your divorce for you, so you can focus on the day-to-day matters impacting your family. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities and protect your interests.

7. Refrain from Concealing Assets or Information

Don’t hide any information. Secrets are always discovered, especially when it comes to a battle in court. If you try to hide anything from your ex and the court and they find out, your credibility will be diminished and your case will be negatively affected. Maryland courts require full disclosure of assets. Hiding information can lead to legal penalties and damage your credibility. This can include:

1. Underreporting income
2. Transferring money to secret accounts
3. Overstating debts
4. Hiding valuable personal property

8. Comply with Agreements and Court Orders

Don’t ignore Court orders. If you have agreed, or the court has ordered you to do something, abide by their ruling. Non-compliance can result in legal consequences and negatively impact your case. Examples include:

1. Failing to pay child support
2. Failing to appear in court
3. Failing to comply with a visitation schedule
4. Interfering with communication between the child and the other parent
5. Relocating the child without permission
6. Making major decisions about the child without consulting the other parent

9. Update Legal Documents Promptly

Don’t forget to update important legal documents. Review and revise estate plans, wills, and financial documents that may include your ex to reflect your new circumstances post-divorce. Consult with your attorney as soon as possible to determine if these need to be updated.?

10. Maintain Detailed Records

Keeping careful notes of communications and calendars may come in handy if your case ends up in litigation. It is also helpful to communicate in writing as those can be used as evidence as well. Your communications should be factual and focused on resolving the issue, and not an opportunity to vent about what happened in the past.

We can help.

At its heart, divorce isn’t just an end; it’s also a beginning. It’s an opportunity to establish a healthy co-parenting relationship, set clear expectations, and build an environment where your children can thrive.?

These do’s and don’ts serve as a guide, but remember—you don’t have to navigate this alone. With the right support and a focus on your children’s well-being, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges and move forward with confidence and clarity.