Divorce is an emotional process. It’s easy to let your emotions get out of control. Even if you are able to keep a handle on your emotions, you cannot control how your spouse will react throughout the process.
If you find yourself dealing with an angry former spouse, the following are some of the most common tactics you might be confronted with:
- False accusations of abuse: A spurned spouse may levy false accusations of abuse against you to gain a more favorable position in divorce negotiations and to receive custody of your children. If you believe there is any chance of this happening, refuse to engage in any form of conflict — whether it’s in person, over the phone or via email. Never respond to false allegations in a way that could make the situation worse.
- Limiting access to your property: Your spouse might attempt to limit your access to your marital assets, including money in your bank accounts or your credit cards. To that end, you should be sure your name is on all marital assets so your access to them cannot legally be restricted.
- Attempting to delay the divorce process: This usually happens during the discovery process. Your spouse might try to stall the process by ignoring requests for specific documents or information.
- Spying: Your spouse may attempt to spy on you to try to dig up dirt to use against you in divorce court. Therefore, you should never say or do anything online or over the telephone that could give that person ammunition.
- Breaking agreements made verbally: Your spouse may renege on verbal agreements he or she made during the time leading up to or during the divorce process, simply to make things harder on you. Make sure you always have legal agreements drawn up by your attorney and get your spouse’s signature.
For further guidance and advice as you move through this difficult process, consult a trusted Jacksonville divorce lawyer.
Attorney Andrea Jevic contributed to this post.