7 Divorce Mistakes people make in Oklahoma should be avoided at all cost. Going through a divorce is one of the most emotionally exhausting experiences a person can face. With stress levels running high, it is incredibly easy to make hasty decisions that can negatively impact your finances, your relationship with your children, and your overall legal outcome.
Whether you are just considering filing or are already in the middle of the process, avoiding these seven common pitfalls can save you time, money, and future heartache.
1. Letting Emotions Drive Legal Decisions
Divorce is inherently emotional, but treating the legal process as a way to punish your ex is a costly mistake. Fighting over every minor piece of personal property or refusing to compromise out of spite will only drain your bank account through increased legal fees and drag out the timeline. Treat your divorce like a business transaction: focus on the bottom line, your children’s well-being, and your long-term stability.
2. Hiding Assets or Lying About Debt
Oklahoma is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, though not always exactly 50/50. Attempting to hide cash, transfer property to a friend, or conceal retirement accounts is illegal and highly counterproductive. During the discovery phase, financial records are thoroughly examined. If a judge catches you hiding assets, you lose your credibility and may face severe financial penalties or even be forced to forfeit the hidden asset entirely.
3. Venting on Social Media
In modern divorce litigation, your social media accounts are effectively public records. Complaining about your spouse, posting pictures of a lavish vacation while claiming you cannot pay child support, or documenting a new romantic relationship before the divorce is finalized can and will be used against you in court. The safest approach is to take a complete hiatus from social media until your final decree is signed.
4. Moving Out of the Marital Home Prematurely
As we frequently advise our clients, moving out of the house before a temporary order is in place can be a strategic error. Unless you are fleeing domestic violence, leaving the home can establish a new “status quo” for child custody, giving the remaining parent a significant advantage. It can also leave you financially responsible for the mortgage while simultaneously paying for your own separate living arrangements.
5. Overlooking Tax Implications
Not all assets are created equal. Keeping a $100,000 retirement account is vastly different from keeping a house with $100,000 in equity. Liquidating retirement accounts to pay off a spouse can trigger massive early withdrawal penalties and capital gains taxes. It is crucial to evaluate the after-tax value of your settlement before signing an agreement.
6. Using Children as Messengers or Pawns
Judges in Tulsa County have zero tolerance for parents who use their children as weapons. Badmouthing your soon-to-be ex-spouse in front of the kids, forcing them to choose sides, or using them to pass hostile messages will backfire severely during custody determinations. The court’s primary concern is the best interest of the child, which includes fostering a healthy relationship with both parents.
7. Trying to Navigate the Process Without an Attorney
The last of 7 Divorce Mistakes can be a big problem for people. A “Do-It-Yourself” divorce might seem like a good way to save money, but family law is complex. Making errors in your paperwork, misunderstanding your rights regarding a spouse’s pension, or agreeing to an unfair child support calculation can cost you exponentially more in the long run. Mistakes made in a final decree are notoriously difficult and expensive to modify later.
Secure Your Future
You can avoid the 7 Divorce Mistakes people make in Oklahoma. You do not have to navigate this overwhelming process alone or guess what the court expects of you. At Tulsa Divorce Attorneys and Associates, our legal team is dedicated to protecting your assets, your rights, and your family’s future. For a free consultation with a family law attorney call us now at 539-302-0303. You can also follow this link to ask an on line legal question.