Can My or My Spouse’s Hostility Affect Our Divorce? How?

As attorneys who focus on helping our clients get through divorce as favorably as possible here in Florida, we see a wide variety of circumstances involved in peoples’ divorces;  circumstances that can bring out the very worst in people; often understandably. However, it is important to remember that, when it comes to divorce, it is as though all of your behavior – as well as what you say – is being recorded at all times. This includes speaking harshly; not only to or about your spouse; but also any comments that you make to your children as well, which can affect both your divorce and any custody arrangements, as we discuss below.

Advantages To Being Amicable

There are a number of advantages to having an amicable divorce. Respectful, courteous behavior and being able to reach a mutually agreeable settlement can make connected processes such as co-parenting less stressful. As a result, it is important to avoid allowing your spouse to provoke you into engaging in arguments. Civility can help you put the negativity of the divorce behind you and help you move forward. It is also more impressive to a court in terms of weighing what is in the best interest of the child.

On Your Best Behavior In Professional Settings

This is especially important when it comes to your spouse ‘s place of business. Your spouse’s reputation and any work misconduct that could affect their job and their ability to earn a living can come back to haunt you and have a seriously negative impact on your divorce settlement. it can also provide your spouse with the upper hand in terms of negotiating better terms in the settlement. When it comes to these types of issues, avoiding confrontations in professional environments is crucial.

Hostile Comments & Bearing On Child Custody

Verbally disparaging your spouse can also affect your custody arrangements because courts place the best interest of the child first when it comes to custody, and this includes any behavior that could be deemed to constitute parental alienation. This means that it is very important to prioritize your child’s well-being above any animosity you might have against the other parent, and this covers everything that could be considered to be public harassment, or witnessed by the children, placing them in the middle of arguments, involving their friends or their friends’ parents, etc. It could most definitely end up affecting how much time you are able to spend with that child, pursuant to the court’s judgement.

Everything Matters

Ultimately, whether something is posted on social media, or written in a text or an email, if it is available to someone, it is possible that it could eventually be shared with the court. This not only includes what you directly share with your spouse, but also what you write to your child as well. Any abusive or excessively hostile statements can be used against you and compromise your credibility with the judge. The court has no way of knowing whether this was a momentary lapse in judgment or a behavior that you regularly engage in.

Speak With Our Florida Divorce Attorneys To Find Out More

No matter how much your spouse may provoke you, stay clear headed, focused, and positive in order to be as strategic as possible throughout your divorce. Contact our team of skilled and knowledgeable Orlando divorce attorneys at Greater Orlando Family Law today to help resolve any issues in your divorce and ensure that you are on the right path to a favorable outcome.

Resource:

forbes.com/sites/frawleypollock/2020/02/03/does-it-hurt-your-divorce-when-you-treat-your-spouse-badly/#472bcf225622

https://www.orlandolegal.com/taking-control-of-your-money-before-during-and-after-divorce/