Divorce is a tough road, blending emotional strain with financial stakes. At Frangos Legal, LLC, our seasoned family law attorney, Cindy Kenworthy, with over 35 years of experience, helps clients across Indiana sidestep common mistakes that could sabotage their future. Serving clients statewide, we guide you toward a stable, secure tomorrow. Here are critical divorce traps to avoid in Indiana, ensuring you come out stronger.
Letting Emotions Hijack Your Choices
Divorce can ignite anger or grief, but letting these emotions take charge often leads to costly missteps. Indiana law focuses on fair property division (Ind. Code § 31-15-7-5) and children’s best interests in custody cases (Ind. Code § 31-17-2-8). Acting on impulse or spite can fuel disputes, draining shared assets and hiking legal fees. Cindy Kenworthy’s steady, strategic counsel helps clients statewide prioritize rational decisions for lasting stability.
Hiding Assets from the Court
Trying to stash assets, like secret accounts or shuffled property, is a losing bet. Indiana law demands full disclosure in divorce proceedings for equitable property division (Ind. Code § 31-15-7-5). Getting caught can lead to penalties or a skewed ruling. If you think your spouse is concealing assets, Cindy Kenworthy can help uncover the truth by analyzing financial records, like tax returns or bank statements, for clients across Indiana.
Racing to Close the Divorce
Wanting to move on fast is human, but rushing a divorce can lock you into regrettable deals. Indiana dissolution cases cover vital issues like property, custody, and support, each needing careful thought (Ind. Code § 31-17-2-8, Ind. Code § 31-16-6-1). Skimping on details may shortchange future needs, like spousal maintenance (Ind. Code § 31-15-7-2). Frangos Legal partners with clients statewide to build settlements that secure your long-term interests.
Skipping Mediation
A courtroom clash isn’t the only path. Indiana law promotes mediation to settle disputes over property, custody, or support outside court (Ind. Code § 31-15-2-17). Mediation cuts costs, stress, and lets you shape the outcome. With decades of mediation expertise, Cindy Kenworthy helps clients across Indiana forge fair, low-conflict agreements, keeping your divorce manageable.
Ignoring Life After Divorce
Getting lost in the divorce process can leave you unready for what’s next. Living on a single income in Indiana demands a solid budget, covering housing, healthcare, and child-related costs, like college expenses (Ind. Code § 31-16-6-2). Without planning, financial stress can loom, especially with support payments. Frangos Legal helps clients statewide map out post-divorce finances for a steady future.
Dragging Kids into the Fight
Kids aren’t pawns in a divorce. Using them to settle scores or exposing them to conflict can cause deep emotional scars. Indiana courts put children’s best interests first in custody and parenting time rulings (Ind. Code § 31-17-2-8), and co-parenting smoothly is key. Cindy Kenworthy creates parenting plans for clients across Indiana, fostering teamwork and shielding your kids’ well-being.
Picking the Wrong Attorney
Your attorney’s skill defines your divorce’s outcome. Indiana’s family law involves intricate statutes, from property division (Ind. Code § 31-15-7-5) to custody changes (Ind. Code § 31-17-2-21). An unseasoned lawyer can fumble your case. With over 35 years of practice, Cindy Kenworthy at Frangos Legal, LLC, delivers sharp, client-focused representation for Hoosiers statewide, protecting your interests with precision.
Take Charge of Your Future
Divorce doesn’t have to knock you off course. With smart planning and expert guidance, you can dodge these traps and secure a fair outcome. At Frangos Legal, LLC, located at 244 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202, Cindy Kenworthy offers compassionate, powerhouse representation for clients across Indiana. Contact us today at [email protected] or 317-643-1345 to schedule a consultation and claim the future you deserve.