No divorce is complete without at least one major argument. Adults who are concerned about their children, worried about their financial futures, and distressed about the divorce itself often say things they later regret. Though disagreements are natural, there are certain things that you should never say during a divorce. Making statements that could be perceived as threats may later impact your case. The last thing any person who is going through a divorce needs to deal with are accusations of intimidation or verbal abuse.

I Will Take the Kids

Threatening to leave with the children and never return is something that either spouse may say during an argument. Once the divorce process has officially started, making statements about leaving with children takes on a new meaning and context. It creates the possibility that you may leave without waiting for the judge to rule on child custody and your spouse may use the threat as a reason to keep your children away from you until custody is finalized.

Not Unless You Sign

Denying to pay utilities, the mortgage, or otherwise work with your spouse unless he or she signs the divorce settlement or other agreement you provide is never a good idea. In most situations you are obligated to pay expenses at your mutual home, making the threat empty. Also, your spouse can later claim that you attempted to use intimidation to forcing him or her to sign a lopsided agreement or face immediate consequences.

I Will Quit

During negotiations about maintenance payments such as spousal support or child support a person who is suddenly faced with the possibility of giving a former spouse money may become furious. One of the reasons adults often divorce is to gain independence and financial freedom that does not quite reconcile with the idea of supporting a spouse financially. Threatening to quit your job and never pay a penny may make you feel good temporarily, but those words could come back to haunt you if you lose your job during the divorce and your threat is mentioned.

Get Out

If you and your spouse share a home that is marital property, attempting to force him or her out of the house often backfires. Telling your spouse to leave your home could initiate a legal confrontation that formally acknowledges his or her rights to the property and makes it clear that you will be punished if you attempt to deprive him or her of access to the house. You should also refrain from doing anything to prevent your spouse from entering your mutual home. That includes changing the locks or security alarm codes while he or she still has a right to the house.

Expert Advice

Divorce and separation are expensive legal issues that require advice from experts. One wrong word or bad decision can cost you more than you are willing or able to pay. Instead of running the risk of making an expensive mistake, contact a family law attorney who can advise you during every part of your divorce. The attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum are able to help you with property division, child custody, and support issues. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.