What are some of the things that might surprise you about divorce in Louisville? In some instances, the process of seeking a divorce can begin with many false beliefs. It can also involve behaviors which may or may not have an impact on what happens during the divorce.
At Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC we focus upon your goals and objectives for the divorce and the actions you can take to maximize the odds of a positive outcome. Our clients are often surprised to learn:
Infidelity might have very little impact. Judges in Louisville family law courts often have no interest in the details of any affair, unless the conversation pertains to the abandonment or neglect of children or specific proof that marital property (funds) were dissipated for gifts, travel or other actions to support the affair.
All communications are crucial. Every word you communicate to your former spouse in a divorce is crucial evidence and must be seen as such. The best policy is to avoid all social media entirely during the course of your divorce. There is no such thing as “privacy.” Your “secret” posts and messages will be placed on the screen and into public record for all to see (including ultimately your children, your family, friends, co-workers and boss, clergy and community). Carefully consider every voicemail, text, and email communication with your former spouse. Adverse communications will be presented to the judge and used to portray you in a negative light. This can affect everything from child custody to actually forming the basis for domestic violence allegations. This is serious business and you need to ensure you are in a calm, focused place emotionally before responding to your former spouse in any format.
Other issues that might surprise you about divorce in Louisville include but are not limited to:
Do not record conversations between you and your former spouse and do not search through their cell phone because you suspect them of cheating. Any evidence you find on their cell phone is inadmissible as it violates privacy rights. The judge will usually only consider information collected from external forums.
There is no specific preference for the mother in child custody and visitation or parenting time. Kentucky law establishes that it is in the best interest of the child to spend equal quality time with each parent. Our courts tend to favor shared custody arrangements with fairly equal parenting time unless other circumstances (such as domestic violence) can be established.
Don’t maximize credit cards or spend down joint accounts to get even. You have had and continue to have a “fiduciary duty” to act in your spouse’s best interests. In the end these expenditures and debts will usually be deducted from your portion of the marital property or assigned to you as “separate” debts.
There are many things that might surprise you about divorce in Louisville in Louisville. You need the facts. You need sound counsel and proven strategy. We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our former clients and the legal industry and contact Dodd & Dodd or call 502-584-1108 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced divorce and family law attorneys today.
