# Biggest Mistakes Made During a Divorce | Brown Family Law **Table of Contents***[*SHOW*]* 1. The Biggest Mistake is Making Major Decisions Without a Strategy 2. Letting Anger Set the Direction of Your Case Can Cost You 3. Putting Your Children in the Middle Creates Additional Problems 4. Making Financial Moves Without Legal Advice Can Create Trouble 5. Call Brown Family Law to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes During a Divorce One of the biggest mistakes during a divorce is making emotional decisions in the moment without thinking about how they can affect your future and the way your case unfolds. It’s important to consider how your actions can affect child custody, finances, property, and communication. At Brown Family Law, we understand how stressful it can be to avoid mistakes during a divorce, especially when you don’t fully understand the implications of certain behaviors. Contact us today for legal guidance from a [divorce lawyer in Salt Lake City](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/salt-lake-city-ut/divorce-lawyer/). ## The Biggest Mistake is Making Major Decisions Without a Strategy There is not one mistake that every person going through [divorce](https://www.utcourts.gov/en/self-help/case-categories/family/divorce.html) makes. However, one pattern of behavior that often causes problems again and again is making important decisions based on the emotions you’re feeling in the moment instead of considering the legal consequences. Examples include: - You might want to move out of your home immediately. - You might want to empty a joint bank account. - You might be worried your spouse will spend all your money. - You might want to tell everyone what happened in the marriage. - You might want to agree to an arrangement just to put an end to the process. These reactions are understandable, but they also deserve a pause. Furthermore, the divorce process involves several connected issues, such as: - Custody can affect child support. - Property decisions can affect your financial position. - A move can affect parent-time. - A temporary agreement can affect your family while the case is pending. Ultimately, Utah courts can address property, debts, children, support, custody, parent-time, and alimony as part of a divorce proceeding. Current state laws also give courts continuing authority over certain domestic-relations matters after a final decree. This includes later changes involving property, alimony, child support, custody, and parent-time. That is why a decision that seems small today can deserve serious consideration. At Brown Family Law, our lawyers can help you step back from the immediate conflict and look at how individual decisions fit into the larger case. Get Clear Guidance for Your Divorce [Schedule a Consultation](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/contact-us/) ## Letting Anger Set the Direction of Your Case Can Cost You Divorce can bring out anger that has been building for years: - You might feel betrayed. - You might feel financially trapped. - You might believe your spouse is deliberately making the process harder. - You might be tired of being treated unfairly. None of that makes you unreasonable. In fact, these responses make you human. The problem is that your anger can start making legal decisions for you, which only hurts your case. Sending an inflammatory message might feel satisfying in the moment. However, it can create another issue to deal with later. Likewise, refusing to discuss a proposal because you’re mad at the other party can prolong negotiations. Posting about your spouse online can also introduce privacy concerns that did not exist before. Utah law encourages parents to consider the welfare and best interests of their children when custody and parent-time are determined. The law also gives courts specific factors to consider when assessing custody arrangements: - The child’s needs - Your parenting abilities - Communication between parents - Certain safety concerns At Brown Family Law, an attorney can help you separate the emotional part of the divorce from the decisions that require a legal response. That does not mean ignoring bad behavior. It means responding strategically rather than reflexively. A Calmer, Clearer Way Through Divorce [Talk to Our Team](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/contact-us/) ## Putting Your Children in the Middle Creates Additional Problems Children often know that something is wrong before their parents are ready to explain it. That does not mean they need to know every detail. One of the hardest parts of divorce with children is resisting the urge to explain yourself to them. - You might feel that they need to know why the marriage ended. - You might want to correct something the other parent told them. - You might want them to understand your side. - You might want to complain to them about your former spouse. However, children should not have to choose sides. They also shouldn’t be put in a position where they’re messengers, witnesses to adult conflict, or sources of emotional support for a parent. That’s why Utah custody laws center on the child’s welfare. State laws give courts a range of factors to consider when establishing custody and parent-time. The law also recognizes the importance of maintaining appropriate contact between children and their parents. If you have legitimate concerns about your spouse’s conduct, call Brown Family Law to discuss them with your attorney. We can help determine which concerns belong in the legal case and which conversations should stay between adults. ![Brown Law Logo](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/wp-content/themes/brown-family-law/assets/app/img/logo-white.png) Support Through Your Toughest Transition [Call ![call-arrow](https://www.brownfamilylaw.com/wp-content/themes/brown-family-law/assets/app/svg/cta-call.svg)801-685-9999](tel:+18016859999) ## Making Financial Moves Without Legal Advice Can Create Trouble Money is one of the areas where divorce decisions can become particularly consequential. You might be tempted to engage in these behaviors because you’re worried about what your spouse might do and you’re trying to be proactive: - Close a joint account - Move funds - Make a large purchase - Transfer property - Take on debt - Change financial arrangements Do not assume that taking control of money automatically protects you. Utah divorce law addresses division of property and debts, along with financial support between spouses and for children. The court can also enter temporary financial orders while a divorce case is pending. That means financial decisions should be made with an understanding of how they fit into the overall case. If you believe your spouse is hiding money, spending marital funds irresponsibly, or refusing to provide financial information, tell your attorney. Do not respond by concealing assets yourself. Instead, contact Brown Family Law so that a lawyer can help you determine what records are relevant, what financial information needs to be requested, and which court remedies are available. ## Call Brown Family Law to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes During a Divorce Divorce is a major legal and personal transition. When children are involved, the decisions you make during the process can affect your family long after the final decree. At Brown Family Law, our firm’s family law approach is protective without being unnecessarily combative. That means taking important issues seriously while keeping the focus on practical outcomes for parents and children. As your attorneys, we can help with the legal issues that arise throughout your divorce, including custody, parent-time, child support, property division, and alimony. Established in 2010, our firm has represented thousands of clients in the local community. If you are filing for divorce in Utah and hoping to better understand how an attorney can protect your interests, contact Brown Family Law to further discuss your circumstances. 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