3 Tips for Responding to Divorce Papers
Divorce is ugly, plain and simple. Even the most civil divorces are still founded on the concept that a couple no longer feels right staying married. The legal divorce process must occur, and part of that process involves divorce papers being delivered from the initiator of the divorce to the other spouse.
The famous Hollywood couple Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, for example, went through a divorce in 2015. According to the source TMZ, Chris Martin “forgot” to respond to Paltrow’s petition for divorce in April 2015, about one year ago. As a famous couple their divorce has come under extreme scrutiny, and it turns out that Paltrow would be entitled to a default judgment to receive everything she requested based on Martin’s negligence. So this situation from the stars begs the question: How should you respond to divorce papers?
Avoid Confrontation
Depending on the nature of your divorce, receiving those papers could be an extremely emotional and even devastating event. Whatever you do, don’t take out your anger on your soon-to-be-ex by yelling, screaming, or committing physical assault. Anything seen as domestic violence is not only wrong, but will hurt your case for settlement and child custody in the divorce proceedings. Stay calm, write your feelings down if needed, and wait for legal advice before moving forward.
Don’t Make Rash Financial Decisions
When you know that your assets are facing court scrutiny and you run the risk of losing much of what you’ve built and earned, it may be your first instinct to sell what you can, empty your bank accounts, and make a run for it. Don’t! No rash decision is a good decision, especially after receiving divorce papers. Again, wait for legal counsel before changing anything about your financial situation. This will help to avoid breaching your fiduciary duty and giving your ex ammunition against you in court.
Keep the Kids Out of It
If you have children, the divorce will be hard enough for them without feeling like they’re stuck in the middle of two angry and resentful people. Don’t rely on your children for communication with your spouse, and don’t badmouth your spouse or let your negative emotions show. Try to keep your routine with your kids as normal as possible.
By remaining calm and consulting an attorney, you can react appropriately to your divorce papers without making new problems for yourself.