If you’re like most people, your attitudes regarding divorce have largely been shaped by the media and your community. Perhaps you’ve watched Divorce Court on TV or listened to a loved one’s complaints about this notoriously complicated process. Ultimately, however, it’s impossible to understand exactly how divorce works until you’re in the trenches.
The more you know in advance, the better your chances of escaping the biggest dramas of divorce. To prepare you, we’ve compiled a few of the most common misconceptions.
Only Women Receive Spousal or Child Support
Alimony and child support arrangements can take many forms. While women have commonly occupied the receiving end in past divorce cases, that’s beginning to change — especially as more married women take on breadwinner status. Likewise, while conventional wisdom suggests that mothers always receive custody, joint arrangements are most common.
Proof of Cheating Will Always Yield Better Results for the Betrayed Spouse
Don’t assume that your unfaithful spouse will get his or her just desserts in court. While spouses in some states can file on grounds of adultery, Minnesota — like many states — only allows for no-fault divorces. Sometimes, however, behaviors associated with cheating may influence alimony or child support.
Real Estate Is the Most Important Aspects of Property Division
Divorcing spouses may spat over home ownership, but real estate isn’t always the most valuable asset. In some cases, business or retirement assets may hold greater value. Likewise, real estate can prove more of a hassle than it’s worth, particularly for those who wish to downsize following divorce.
At the law firm of Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd., we’re well aware of the many misconceptions that surround divorce. We use a client-oriented approach to ensure that you know exactly what to expect through each step of the process. Contact us today to learn more about our legal philosophy and family services.