5 Legal Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce

1. Not Taking Financial Disclosures Seriously

Let's start with one of the biggest pitfalls: incomplete or inaccurate financial disclosures. Both spouses need to provide a full account of their finances. Some individuals "forget" to list certain accounts, undervalue assets, or fail to report income accurately. Others don't gather the necessary paperwork to back up their claims. In some cases, the other side may even challenge your credibility, which could weaken your entire case.

2. Assuming Property Will Be Split 50/50

Many people think that marital assets will automatically be split down the middle during a divorce. That's not how it works under divorce laws in Florida. Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means assets and debts are divided fairly. This is where people trip up. They assume they'll get half of everything, only to be blindsided when certain factors come into play. For instance, the court considers each spouse's contributions, their economic circumstances, and other specifics before deciding on a "fair" split. On top of that, some assets might be excluded entirely, depending on the situation.

3. Rushing Through the Parenting Plan

If you have children, the parenting plan is one of the most critical legal documents in your divorce. Yet, many parents make the mistake of rushing through it, assuming they can "figure things out later." That approach almost always backfires. The parenting plan dictates how time-sharing, decision-making, and communication between parents will work post-divorce. Vague or incomplete plans often create conflicts down the road. Even something as small as forgetting to address extracurricular activities can spark disputes that send you back to court.

4. Letting Emotions Drive Legal Decisions

Divorce is an emotional process, but letting those emotions steer your legal decisions? That's a big mistake. It's all too common for divorcing spouses to fight over small, insignificant issues just to "win" or prove a point. Judges don't look kindly on petty disputes or stubborn refusals to compromise. Florida's courts expect divorcing spouses to negotiate in good faith. The longer you dig your heels in, the more expensive and exhausting the process becomes.

5. Signing the Final Agreement Without a Close Review

After months of back-and-forth, the final divorce agreement lands on your desk, and you're ready to sign just to get it over with. But rushing through this step is a huge mistake. The final agreement is legally binding, and once you sign, undoing any errors can be incredibly difficult. People often overlook important clauses or assume verbal promises will hold up later. If something isn't written into the agreement, it doesn't count. This is especially true if the terms are vague or leave room for misinterpretation.