Debates, arguments and discords are part of a marriage. At times in married life together, partners can have conflicts in ideas, preferences or needs. While in most situations, the arguments end with the partners understanding each other, sometimes it can lead to a divorce. In the United States, a significant share of marriages (over 40% of them) ends up into legal separation or divorces. Although the numbers are quite high, divorces are never simple. It has emotional, psychological, social and financial effects on the individuals, the family and the children.

However, there are some myths that make these complicated and expensive divorces even more troublesome. If you or your partner are filling for a divorce, make sure you overcome these myths.

  1. No divorce until both partners agree
    A popular myth among couples is that you need both the partners’ consent for a divorce. If a partner files for a divorce, the second partner’s consent is not mandatory for the divorce to get in action. However, both partners are required to agree to the legal terms of the divorce. This includes divorce settlements. In case of any disagreements, one can take the legal path for a fair settlement.
  2. You can hide your assets from divorce settlements
    During a divorce, both partners have to agree to a division of financial and physical assets. These can be done via private agreements or in court. People have a common belief that they can keep a larger share by not disclosing their assets. However, doing this can lead to severe penalties. Both parties submit an affidavit listing their community and personal properties. Non-disclosure of properties might be considered perjury.
  3. Someone has to take the blame
    People looking for a divorce often believe that blaming a partner makes a strong divorce case. And, that the judgement would be in their favour. Most commonly used accusations include adultery, denial of affection and cruelty. In many states, divorces don’t need a faulty party; and accept no-fault divorces. However, different states define certain grounds for a breakup. Which, if failed to prove, can lead to dismissal of divorce appeal.
  4. There is a 50/50 split for assets
    Just because you have been married, does not entitle you or your partner a 50% share of all the assets. Unless agreed upon unanimously, no one owns any assets by default. Except for the separate properties (the assets own/ inherited by individuals before marriage), the court can divide all shared properties among the partners. The court considers various factors like financial conditions of the partners, contributions of each party towards acquiring the assets, children custody etc. to grant a fair settlement. However, this is not mandatory and partners can have a private settlement along with their attorneys.

If a couple has had children together, they are liable to fulfil the needs of the kids and contribute towards child support. The court imposes strict rules to ensure that any settlements or decisions don’t compromise with child benefits.

Be it a case of separation, annulment, child custody or financial settlement, you need an experienced attorney for reliable results. If you are looking for a Mesa Divorce Attorney.