Divorce can be one of the most challenging transitions in life, bringing on a whirlwind of feelings, legal complexities, and personal changes. This emotionally charged time can be exacerbated by dealing with your spouse’s behavior throughout the divorce proceedings and/or disappointment with the outcome. There are choices you can make, as well as ones you can avoid, to help make divorce less stressful for you and your family. In this post, Ashley Pepitone, Georgia Divorce Attorney, explores some of the biggest divorce mistakes and how to avoid them.
Divorce Mistake #1 – Having Unrealistic Expectations
One of the biggest mistakes that clients make in the divorce process is failing to manage their own expectations. Conflict tends to magnify people’s negative qualities, so if your spouse is super controlling about money during your marriage, expect them to be even more controlling about money during the divorce. It’s important to approach the process with a realistic view, accepting that you cannot control or predict another’s actions. This can help you focus on what truly matters—your own decisions and personal well-being.
“I’ve been doing this for well over a decade and I can tell you that time and time again, the most upset and disappointed clients that I have are those who have failed to manage the expectations that they have about the other party’s behavior and actions during the divorce process.“
-Ashley Pepitone, Georgia Family Law Attorney
Divorce Mistake #2 – Not Managing Emotions
Intense emotions are unavoidable with divorce, however allowing emotions to dictate decisions can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Anger, fear, and resentment can cause poor decision-making leading to choices that you may later regret. Managing emotions is critical in keeping a clear mind and regulating your nervous system so you can maintain a calm and balanced perspective. Some tips to manage emotions include therapy, meditation, breathwork, and support groups.
Divorce Mistake #3 – Failing to Plan for the Future
Divorce is not only about ending a marriage—it is also about starting a new chapter. One common pitfall is focusing on short-term wins rather than long-term stability when addressing the terms of your divorce and how it will affect your future. We encourage clients to think beyond the immediate challenges and support them to build a stable foundation for life post-divorce. Focus on adequate financial planning, setting personal goals, and creating a support network to help you move through the process with purpose and confidence.
Divorce Mistake #4 – Attempting to Change the Other Party
Clients often waste time trying to influence or alter their ex-spouse’s behavior, which can drain energy and leave you feeling disappointed. The truth is, it is impossible to control someone else’s actions or decisions, but you can control how you respond. Going into the divorce process, accept the other party as they are and instead focus on self-management to move forward with peace.
“The best thing you can do is take off the rose-colored glasses. Go into this with your eyes wide open, knowing what you’re in for, and learn how to manage and regulate your emotions to get through this process as unscathed as possible. You will not be able to change who they are, but you can manage your own expectations and emotions to meet them where they are.”
-Ashley Pepitone
Divorce Mistake #5 – Overlooking the Importance of Emotional Support
Throughout the process of divorce, you can often feel alone and overwhelmed. Developing a strong emotional support system of family, friends, or support groups can make all the difference. Emotional support allows you to focus on what you can control, regulate your feelings, and manage expectations. By leaning on your support network, you can remain grounded and resilient throughout the entire divorce process.
Contact a Georgia Divorce Attorney
Divorce is never easy. Avoiding these common mistakes can help create a smoother and less stressful process, enhancing your well-being and setting the stage for a brighter and more positive future. At Pepitone Family Law, we’re dedicated to understanding your needs and guiding you every step of the way. We empower our clients with clear, straightforward information and offer a flat fee structure to ensure that you have peace of mind without the worry of unexpected costs. Reach out to schedule a consultation by calling (770) 800-2681 or filling out our online contact form.