5 Common Divorce Myths Debunked

Getting a divorce is a difficult journey that’s filled with uncertainty.

While some aspects of divorce are black and white, there are other factors that are blurred and cause confusion.

Divorce is complicated but it doesn’t have to be overcomplicated.

In this blog post, we’re debunking five of the most common divorce myths that leave people scratching their heads.

Myth #1: Your divorce can be denied.

False. When you file for divorce, you’re actually asking the judge for permission to do so. But, this doesn’t mean that the judge has the power to deny you. If you ask for a divorce, odds are you’ll be granted a divorce. Florida is a no-fault divorce state. This means that the only reason that’s needed to file is that your marriage is irretrievably broken AKA, the damage is done and cannot be repaired.

Myth #2: Moms always get custody of their kids.

This used to be true. However, as time has gone on and the law has evolved, custodial decisions are made based on what’s in the best interest of the child, not on the gender of the parent.

Myth #3: There are ways around paying child support.

In the state of Florida, the courts have the power to order the non-custodial parent (the parent who does not have physical custody of the minor child) to pay child support. There are many factors that play a role in the calculation of child support payments and they include:

Expenses
The parent’s ability to pay
The various needs of the child
The number of children to support

While you can’t fully get out of paying child support, your payments can be adjusted if proof of a substantial change in your circumstances is presented.

Myth #4: Divorces always get ugly.

This isn’t completely true. Yes, divorces can get heated and ugly. But this isn’t the case for every divorce. There are ways around hostility, finger-pointing, and low blows. Mediation or selecting a divorce attorney whose focus is on avoiding conflict and making the divorce proceedings more of a negotiation than a full-out argument are viable solutions.

Myth #5: You have to have a lawyer.

Can you represent yourself in a divorce? Yes. Should you? We highly suggest that you don’t. Divorces aren’t easy. It’s a stressful time and hiring an attorney to help you through the process is a way to reduce your stress. Your attorney will gather the necessary information from you and take care of the rest which gives you more time to settle into your new normal.

If you are considering divorce and want to learn more about the proceedings, contact us today. We’d be happy to help.