Situations That Could Complicate Your Divorce

The process of obtaining a divorce can be time-consuming and arduous, or it can be relatively quick and amicable. Generally, if both parties agree to the divorce, then the proceedings will go a lot smoother and be resolved more quickly. Certain complications, on the other hand, if they arise, can derail the most amicable of divorce proceedings. We’ve included a list of some of the most common below.

An Unplanned Pregnancy

An unexpected pregnancy can throw a wrench in any divorce proceeding, especially when a couple has no other children. Spouses in this situation can still file for divorce, but will have to grapple with paternity, assuming financial responsibility for the child, and come up with a child custody agreement. Additionally, a court won’t actually finalize a divorce until after the child is born, potentially delaying the resolution of the proceedings for up to a year.

Allegations of Domestic Assault

Sadly, many marriages end due to accusations of violence or abuse at home. Divorce proceedings will usually take a back seat to these issues, whether they involve allegations of physical violence or emotional abuse. Restraining orders will need to be issued and implemented and will need to address things like financial support and child custody, even if only temporarily. An amicable divorce is highly unlikely in these situations, making it much more likely that the divorce will be time-consuming and emotional.

Accusations of Infidelity

Accusations of infidelity can also complicate the divorce process, often causing conflict and hurt feelings. Similarly, starting a new romantic relationship, while a marriage is still ending can cause disagreements about the use of shared financial resources, alimony, and even child custody.

Retaliation

Many couples end up leaving their marriages with mixed feelings, which can cause spouses to act out of vindictiveness or retaliation. Anger and a desire for retribution are not conducive to a peaceful resolution, but disrupt negotiations and prolong the divorce process. It can also affect a couple’s relationship with their children, especially if one spouse attempts to alienate the children from his or her co-parent.

Hidden Assets

Dividing marital assets is one of the most complicated aspects of divorce. Which assets are shared and which are kept separate will largely dictate support payments, debt allocation, and property division, all of which can impact the parties’ financial futures. Sometimes, in an effort to retain more than their fair share of an asset, one spouse will attempt to hide assets from the other. While forensic accounting can help locate hidden funds and identify joint assets, it can also delay the divorce process.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

It’s relatively easy to unintentionally complicate divorce. Having an attorney on your side can help ensure that you don’t make any major missteps during the divorce process, but continue to move forward towards a resolution. For help developing a strategy for your own divorce, don’t hesitate to call experienced and compassionate Florida divorce attorney Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. today. You can reach us at 954-945-7591 or via online message.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0741/Sections/0741.30.html

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.075.html