5 Mistakes to Avoid During a Georgia Divorce
Divorce is seldom emotionally or financially easy. As experienced divorce and family law attorneys in Georgia, we’ve seen how small missteps can lead to long-term consequences. Whether your divorce case involves child custody, alimony, or the division of assets, understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing your legal rights and what you should do.
Here are five of the most common mistakes people make during a Georgia divorce—and how you can avoid them.
1. Hiding Assets or Income
The mistake: Some spouses believe they can hide assets or underreport income to avoid equitable division or child support and alimony obligations.
The consequence: Georgia courts take financial disclosure very seriously. If the court finds out you’re not being honest, you could face penalties—including sanctions, attorney’s fees, and a skewed division of assets in favor of your spouse.
The fix: Be completely transparent about your finances. Work with your attorney to compile accurate documentation of all assets, debts, and income sources.
2. Letting Emotions Drive Legal Decisions
The mistake: Acting out of spite, anger, or vindictiveness. For example, refusing to negotiate, dragging out litigation, not responding, or fighting over minor items just to “win.” If you can buy an item at Target, don’t pay lawyers thousands of dollars to fight over the item that can be easily replaced or costs less than what you’re spending to argue over it.
The consequence: Emotional decisions often lead to longer, more expensive divorces. Worse, they can damage your credibility in front of the judge or jury.
The fix: Stay focused on your long-term goals. Let your attorney advocate on your behalf and provide perspective when things get heated.
3. Ignoring Temporary Orders
The mistake: Violating court-issued temporary orders (e.g., parenting time, support payments, or who stays in the home).
The consequence: Disregarding temporary orders can harm your case and affect final rulings on custody, visitation, or financial matters.
The fix: Follow all court orders. If something needs to be modified, your lawyer can request a change the right way.
4. Posting on Social Media
The mistake: Venting online about your spouse, sharing photos from a night out, or discussing case details publicly.
The consequence: Social media posts are discoverable and admissible evidence in Georgia divorce courts. A single post can damage your credibility, parenting case, or claims of financial hardship.
The fix: Stay off social media or drastically limit your activity until your divorce is finalized. When in doubt, don’t post. Taking a break from social media is ideal.
5. Going Without Legal Representation
The mistake: Trying to handle a divorce without an attorney, especially when the case involves custody of children, property, or support.
The consequence: You may agree to terms that are unfair, unenforceable, or legally unsound. Worse, it can be extremely difficult to undo a finalized divorce decree.
The fix: Even in an uncontested divorce, consult with a Georgia divorce attorney to make sure your interests are protected and that the final order complies with the law.
Final Thoughts
No two divorces are the same. But avoiding these five common mistakes can help you protect your future, your finances, and your family. At Naggiar & Sarif Family Law, we’ve helped clients in Atlanta and throughout Georgia navigate divorce with clarity and confidence. Contact us if you would like to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you in your particular situation.