Statistics have long known the truth: divorce is an all too common scenario for many families. While studies have shown that divorce is on the decline in all 50 states, it is still pervasive. If you are a man, you may already be chalking up all the things you’ll be losing in the divorce. However, according to websites such as Cordell & Cordell reviews, men don’t always wind up with the short end of the stick. What determines the outcome of a divorce, at least for men, is their behavior during the days, weeks and months leading up to the divorce. Here are a few things that you, as a man, need to know about your impending divorce, that can shift favorability in your direction.
Don’t Move Out
No matter what the reasons are behind your divorce, don’t automatically assume that you are going to lose your home and have to secure another residence. You have every right to live in your home until the court orders otherwise. You will have to continue to contribute to your marital home, whether you live there or not so, unless you have a stellar job with enough income to support two households, you are better off saving your money during this time so that you can afford a place of your own, if you wind up having to move out after the divorce has completed.
Don’t Hide Assets
While it seems counterintuitive, hiding money won’t help you in the long run, at least in the eyes of the court. If you start moving money out of your joint bank account into mason jars buried in your yard, the court will place less credibility on your testimony and put you in a bad position when it comes to gaining any favor with the courts. Honesty is always the best policy, but is the only policy when it comes to your divorce.
Restrain Your Temper
No matter what your soon to be ex-wife has to say about you, your character, your parenting skills, your job…don’t give in to the temptation to retaliate. Any hostile action may be perceived as a threat, no matter how warranted your response is. Turn the other cheek to all of the negativity and know that there will soon be a light at the end of the tunnel. If you need to decompress, vent to your friends or close family.
Don’t Misbehave Online:
Regardless of what you might believe or what you have your privacy settings set to, if you put it on Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest or any other social media website, it is public record. Don’t make scathing posts about your soon to be ex, don’t post pictures of you and your new girlfriend or your new car…simply don’t post anything that could be considered incriminating.
Don’t Flaunt
While you are not expected to live like a monk during your divorce, keep your activities under wraps. Best case scenario is that you don’t get involved with anyone new until after your divorce is final. However, if you are involved with someone new, don’t put her in your childrens’ lives in order to protect your chances of getting custody of your children. Keep gift giving under wraps as excessive gifting may signify that you are able to pay higher alimony payments, if they are granted. Bottom line: if you can wait, then you should.
Getting divorced is never a pleasant experience. However, as a man, you can do a lot to protect both your financial and your custodial interests by keeping a low profile and keeping your integrity intact.