Some spouses in California decide to divorce amicably and can move quickly to a new style of relationship. However, this is often more difficult when complex issues like infidelity, addiction or breaches of financial trust are involved in the end of the marriage. A spouse may justly feel wronged by the other party, and they might want to take action to expose or punish the other party’s misconduct. However, wronged spouses should think twice before taking revenge that could affect their case in the courtroom.
Parents going through a divorce could be particularly concerned. After all, they will likely need to move toward a co-parenting relationship. Outside cases of child abuse or neglect, most parents will be ordered to share child custody/visitation. They may need to discuss plans and schedules with one another and work together to protect their children’s health and emotional state, even if they are bitterly angry with one another. Parents who bad-mouth their former spouses to their children could be penalized in court or accused of parental alienation. That’s why it’s better to express such feelings to friends or a therapist instead.
Even couples without children may benefit from avoiding the path of revenge. If one spouse attempts to interfere with the other party’s job or reputation, they might cause a financial loss that hurts them as well as their spouse. Their spouse could potentially raise a valid claim that they are interfering with their financial well-being, resulting in lower spousal support or less favorable property division.
Many soon-to-be exes have difficulty getting through the divorce process, but they often benefit from remaining calm in court. A family law attorney may advocate for a divorcing spouse who wants equitable outcomes regarding property division, child custody and other key matters.
