One of the first pieces of advice one may hear is that one attorney can suffice for both parties. This is often seen as a cost-saving measure. However, this is never a good idea and can result in either party sustaining monetary damages in the end. Likewise, being advised to use the online child support calculators on the state’s website is also ill-advised, as these guidelines are merely a starting point and do not take into consideration all of the factors that may be unique to an individual case. A family court judge has access to information that may require a different calculation based on facts that are not included in these guides.

Some claim that a no-fault divorce filing means that there will not be any financial ramifications for poor behavior that may have led to the divorce. This is only partially true, as a judge may determine that these actions lead to the other party sustaining monetary harm that will require recompense. Another misconception is that renouncing ownership interest in property will release a spouse from financial liabilities regarding secured debt. While this is a step in the process, it requires additional legal paperwork and agreements to release one from these obligations.

Finally, some may suggest that children are not informed as to the decisions regarding the divorce process. This can backfire and result in children suffering from higher levels of anxiety. While it is always preferable to shield them from the fighting that often accompanies a dissolution, children fare better when they are kept informed of decisions that will directly impact their lives. Kentucky residents who have decided that a divorce is the best solution for their struggling marriage may benefit from the professional guidance of a family law attorney.

Source: huffingtonpost.com, “Divorce Alternative Facts: A Half Dozen of the Biggest Whoppers“, Larry Sarezky, Feb. 22, 2018