Divorce is a time of turmoil. When you’re in the middle of ending a long-term relationship, there’s bound to be some confusion. Many people are tempted to take advantage of the complicated nature of divorce and be dishonest for their own benefit.
However, honesty is critical for a smooth and equitable separation. Furthermore, dishonesty leads to significant penalties when it’s inevitably discovered. Here’s why honesty about your emotions, legal considerations, and finances is so important for a clean split.
Emotional Honesty
If you’re ending your marriage, you may not think that emotional honesty has any value. However, it can play an essential role in helping your separation proceed smoothly.
Emotional honesty in divorce doesn’t mean baring your soul to someone you no longer love. Instead, it means being honest with yourself about what you’re feeling. Take the time to examine your emotions and think about their causes. This can help you remain more professional during the proceedings and avoid making poor decisions.
For example, if you are deeply angry with your former partner, think about how being mad serves you. Decisions based on anger are usually impulsive and poorly thought out. Be honest with yourself about your feelings, and you can make better choices and resolve your split in less time.
Legal Honesty
On a more serious note, you must be honest in the course of any legal proceedings. Don’t attempt to lie or mislead your spouse or the judge. While divorces can bring up situations that may be embarrassing or uncomfortable for you, lying about them only makes things worse.
In fact, lying during your separation can lead to criminal charges, including perjury and contempt of court. If you’re concerned about any situation that may be discussed during your separation, talk to your lawyer. They will help you navigate these issues without losing face or risking perjury.
Financial Honesty
Similarly, financial honest is crucial to legal proceedings. You may be tempted to hide funds from the division of assets, but this is a bad idea. When financial dishonesty is discovered, it has many consequences:
- Significantly longer proceedings: When hidden accounts are discovered, your spouse has the right to demand a full audit of your finances, potentially adding months to the process.
- Financial penalties: Many states fine people who attempt to hide finances from their spouses during divorce, and others award hidden accounts in full to the other partner.
- Potential criminal charges: Finally, as with any form of legal dishonest, you can face criminal charges for lying or deliberately omitting information in court.
Financial accuracy is not only a legal requirement; it’s also the only path that maintains your integrity.
Accuracy Is Crucial for Divorce.
From beginning to end, honesty is critical for your divorce. Being honest with yourself and your legal representation about your emotions, finances, and legal considerations helps you navigate the separation process with grace.
The right lawyer will help you remain honest and avoid any accidental omissions that may reflect poorly on you in court. Reach out to an experienced divorce lawyer today to discuss your situation and learn how they can help you handle your separation professionally and truthfully.
