Divorce advice

[scooterbug44]

Does anyone have good advice for someone contemplating a divorce?
Things to watch out for, legal advice etc?

A friend is considering it and I am supremely unqualified to give her advice on this issue.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Tell him to give her everything. It will be much cheaper, and he won't have the headaches of arguing and fighting over material possessions.

 

[Rudyjohn]

Tell her to never trust that this once nice guy she married, will not turn nasty and vindictive.
When I got divorced, many, many moons ago (after a short 1yr. marriage), I left my apt. to go to work. When I returned at the end of the day, EVERYTHING was gone! Even my high school yearbooks, everything. Personal momentos from my childhood, my parents, etc. He charmed the landlord, explaining that he was moving his stuff out because of the divorce. And the weird thing is, my ex really was a nice guy. But he turned into a hateful bast**d once he realized the divorce was real. And I turned into a raving lunatic, trying to retrieve some of my personal things. The atty's were unsuccessful. I had to drop the whole thing and just get the divorce over with.

Moral of the story, divorces are rarely pleasant or reciprocal. It does reveal the disappointing side in a person.

Good luck to your friend. It will probably be the best thing she ever does.

 

[seagrover]

Tell her just to shoot him and be done with it!!! Any good lawyer should be able to get her off on a PMS defense!!!

 

[lindatat]

I have one word of advice for your friend. Mediation. I highly recommend it.

 

[Cheering472]

Tell her just to shoot him and be done with it!!! Any good lawyer should be able to get her off on a PMS defense!!!

 

[Allifunn]

It really depends on the state your friend is in (not mental state.... ) Each state is different. If she is serious, she needs to make an appointment with a lawyer. They usually charge 200-300 $ for an hour of time to discuss issues. She really needs o be well informed. Also most states have a web site you can go to and read about the divorce laws.

 

[florida girl]

My first divorce was simple, just went to the judge and explained irreconcilable differences. No property, no children. Cost $40. If kids are involved it?s a totally different story. Keep in mind that studies show the most successful, and wealthy people, are generally married, and have been quite a while. I know individuals that complained about real stupid stuff to get a divorce, and then when it was all said and done, ended up in a bad place financially and emotionally. Better make sure that it's really irreconcilable.

 

[scooterbug44]

No kids (thank goodness), she's already had a preliminary consultation w/ an attorney to find out her rights etc. - go figure, what her husband told her isn't accurrate

 

[McKellar]

If they don't have kids then it is not that big of a deal. She is doing the right thing going to a lawyer. too many mistakes made trying to do it yourself. I believe that Florida is a community property state, as such, there should be an equitable division of all community held assets minus community debts. There can be the odd exception when one party is an a$$hole or there is a out of town lawyer involved. In family law you should always have a lawyer who is familiar/friendly with the judge where the case is filed or you risk getting "home towned". If there are substantial assets involved, definitely, hire a lawyer who is board certified in family law.
BTW, I am not a lawyer, but I did stay at a holiday express last night. My wife is a board certified family lawyer in Texas and she says, rule #1 is no nookie post separation with anyone until the judgement is signed.