A family law attorney will work with you to protect your rights and obtain a divorce agreement that is advantageous or at the very least tolerable. However, there are certain things that you as a client may do that frustrates even the most professional law practice. These actions can hurt your case and make it hard for your attorney to provide the representation you need. Being aware of things your divorce attorney hates hearing may prevent you from saying or doing anything that makes your attorney’s job harder.
I Have Moved Out
Living with a person you no longer love or cannot stand can quickly become intolerable. Unfortunately, during a divorce that involves marital property, moving out is a bad idea. If your name is on the mortgage or lease, you are still responsible for maintaining the household. Also, moving out can weaken your argument to keep the house or make it difficult to fight for custody of your children. It is possible to continue fighting for your rights to the house and for shared custody, but no divorce attorney wants a client to voluntarily leave the marital home when he or she has a legal right to continue living in the house.
I Did Not List All of My Assets
Financial disclosures are an important part of a contested divorce that involves alimony requests, child support, or numerous joint assets. A spouse may be entitled to part of the other spouse’s retirement fund or other financial resources. Hiding assets is something that many people are tempted to do, especially when there is a significant income gap, but giving in to that temptation can create massive problems. Once your attorney finds out that you have not listed all of your assets or income, he or she must rectify the problem by admitting that the omission occurred. If the omission was discovered by a forensic accountant or the other party’s divorce attorney, the situation becomes much worse since now you are at risk of being labeled a liar and your attorney is placed at a significant disadvantage.
I Lost Control
Even the most patient person runs the risk of losing his or her temper during a heated divorce. No divorce attorney expects a client to be a saint, but your attorney does hope that you will maintain some level of professionalism and control. Giving into anger during a divorce is much different than fighting while in a committed relationship. Physically assaulting, intimidating, verbally abusing, or harassing a spouse using social media can all lead to dire consequences when a divorce is in progress. Representing a client who has a restraining order against him or her or other documented abusive behavior creates multiple problems. The client may now have to deal with the added problems of not being allowed access to the marital home, children, etc.
Confide in Your Attorney
The relationship between a divorce attorney and a client is extremely unique. An attorney who is assisting you with one of the most complicated and expensive legal processes you will encounter during your lifetime must be someone in whom you confide. Discussing your planned actions with your attorney in advance can save you a lot of trouble, and if you do something impulsive or embarrassing, you still need to confide in your attorney. The team at Vayman & Teietelbaum understands that every person does or says things he or she may regret during a high stress divorce. We are always prepared to provide our clients with the support they need during this difficult time. Contact us today and schedule a consultation at one of our four Atlanta locations so that we can begin discussing your situation.
