Getting a divorce is an intensely personal and painful experience, but it is also a legal procedure governed by strict laws. In other words, spouses must follow the rules when going through a divorce, even when their emotions are overwhelming.
If this is your first divorce or the first in a long time, you may be focusing on your rights (child access, fair property division, etc.). Protecting them is wise, but avoiding potentially unlawful conduct can be just as critical.
Financial shenanigans
Of course, you want your fair share of marital property, but do not break the law to get it, or you could face financial misconduct allegations. Here are three specific things to avoid:
- Hiding assets like bank accounts, property or income
- Deliberately spending marital funds frivolously
- Falsifying income statements or other financial documents
Family law judges nearly always take a harsh stance against spousal financial misconduct and could impose civil or criminal penalties.
Misrepresentation or lying
Courts do not typically tolerate any form of spousal deception during divorce proceedings. Avoid conduct like this:
- Giving false information to the court
- Creating fake documents to manipulate the outcome
- Colluding with a witness to provide false testimony
Committing these acts could lead to felony perjury charges or other consequences under Florida law.
Harassment and interference
Many spouses fall prey to this pitfall amid the intense emotions of divorce. Unfortunately, conduct such as this could have severe ramifications and may devastate your divorce.
- Spying on or stalking your spouse
- Threatening, injuring or intimidating your spouse
- Interfering with child custody arrangements
Divorce laws can be hard to follow, especially when emotions are high. But you have a much better chance of getting a balanced divorce decree when you abide by the rules and have someone looking out for your interests.