Divorce Dos and Don’ts: How to Protect Your Rights & Finances

Divorce isn’t just an emotional process—it’s a legal and financial turning point that can affect your future for years to come. Whether you saw it coming or it hit you out of nowhere, the uncertainty can be overwhelming. At Jackman Law Firm, we’ve helped countless people through the divorce process since 2014, providing support, legal guidance, and strategic action to protect their rights and financial well-being.

If you’re going through a divorce in Washington State, it’s important to approach it with a plan. Making the right moves now can prevent costly mistakes later. Let’s go over the key dos and don’ts to help you get through this process while protecting what matters most.

Dos: Protecting Your Rights and Finances

Taking the right steps early can make all the difference. Here’s what you should do:

1. Prepare and Organize

Before anything else, gather your important documents. This includes tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, property deeds, investment accounts, and any debts you owe. Knowing where you stand financially puts you in a stronger position. Also, take note of shared assets, marital property, and any liabilities you and your spouse have together.

Make copies of everything. Digital and physical copies will ensure you have access to what you need at all times. If there are joint accounts, keep track of transactions to avoid surprises down the road.

2. Seek Legal Counsel Early

Divorce isn’t something you should try to handle alone. The sooner you consult with a divorce attorney, the better you can protect your rights. A knowledgeable divorce lawyer can help you understand your options, avoid common mistakes, and advocate for your best interests.

At Jackman Law Firm, we work with people from all walks of life, ensuring they have the guidance they need during this critical time. If you’re facing a divorce, getting legal help right away can make all the difference.

3. Understand Your State’s Laws

Washington follows community property laws, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are typically split evenly. However, that doesn’t mean everything is cut straight down the middle. Child support, spousal maintenance, and property division follow specific legal guidelines. Knowing how the law works in Washington gives you an advantage when negotiating settlements or preparing for court.

4. Be Prepared for Financial Disclosure

You and your spouse will need to provide full financial disclosure during the divorce. This includes income, expenses, assets, and debts. Being honest and transparent is critical. Any attempt to hide assets or misrepresent finances can lead to legal penalties and hurt your case.

5. Prioritize Your Children’s Well-being

Divorce is stressful for kids, too. They pick up on tension, and sudden changes can leave them unsettled. Focus on keeping their routine as stable as possible. Work with your co-parent to develop a plan that minimizes disruptions.

If you need help figuring out custody arrangements, Washington has resources for parents going through divorce. Parenting plans should prioritize your child’s best interests while also considering both parents’ roles in their lives.

6. Focus on Communication (When Appropriate)

If you and your spouse can communicate respectfully, it can make the process much smoother. This is especially important for co-parenting. If direct communication is difficult, consider using a co-parenting app that allows you to track conversations and document agreements.

However, if conversations tend to escalate into conflict, it may be best to communicate through attorneys or mediators.

7. Document Everything

Keep records of all communication, agreements, and financial transactions. This includes emails, text messages, and any significant discussions related to your divorce. If child custody is an issue, maintaining detailed records can be helpful if disputes arise.

Don’ts: Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce

Avoiding common pitfalls can save you from unnecessary stress and financial strain. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Don’t Make Major Financial Decisions Without Counsel

Selling assets, changing beneficiaries, or moving money around before speaking with an attorney can have serious consequences. Even innocent actions could be viewed as an attempt to hide assets. Get legal advice before making any big financial decisions.

2. Don’t Rely on Advice From Friends or Family

While friends and family may have good intentions, their divorce experience may not apply to your situation. Divorce laws vary by state, and every case is different. Relying on professional legal guidance is the best way to ensure you make informed decisions.

3. Don’t Use Children as Pawns

Divorce is between you and your spouse—your kids should never be caught in the middle. Avoid using them to pass messages, making them choose sides, or speaking negatively about the other parent in front of them. This can cause lasting emotional harm.

4. Don’t Sign Anything You Don’t Understand

Never sign a settlement agreement, custody arrangement, or any legal document without reviewing it carefully with your attorney. Rushing into agreements can have long-term consequences, and undoing a bad settlement is much harder than negotiating the right one from the start.

5. Don’t Hide Assets or Destroy Evidence

Attempting to conceal assets or delete important records is illegal and can result in penalties. Courts take financial honesty seriously, and any attempt to hide money or property could backfire in a big way.

6. Don’t Post About Your Divorce on Social Media

Anything you post online can be used against you in court. Even seemingly harmless posts can be misinterpreted. It’s best to stay off social media or keep your posts unrelated to your divorce while your case is ongoing.

7. Don’t Let Emotions Control Your Actions

Divorce is emotional, but making decisions out of anger or spite can lead to regrettable choices. If you find yourself overwhelmed, consider working with a therapist or counselor to help process your emotions productively.

8. Don’t Begin a New Relationship While Your Divorce is Pending

Jumping into a new relationship before your divorce is finalized can complicate things, especially if children or spousal support are involved. Courts may view this as a factor in determining financial settlements or custody arrangements.

9. Don’t Violate Court Orders

Ignoring temporary orders related to finances, custody, or property division can have serious legal consequences. Always follow court instructions and seek modifications through legal channels if necessary.

10. Don’t Neglect Your Own Well-being

Divorce is stressful, but self-care is essential. Stay active, eat well, and take time to recharge emotionally. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can make a significant difference in getting through this challenging time.

Protect Your Future With Jackman Law Firm

If you’re facing a divorce in Washington, taking the right steps now can protect your financial stability and future. At Jackman Law Firm, we understand the challenges of going through a divorce and are committed to helping our clients move forward with confidence.

Schedule a confidential consultation with our team today. Call us at 206-558-5555 or visit our Contact Us page to get started. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.