Your decision to get divorced or not get divorced will be influenced by several things, and will be informed by research gathered from many different sources. Unfortunately, both facts and myths creep into this process and influence people’s decisions. There will be some information you will need to ignore about divorce without first fact-checking. Some of the information available online about divorce is biased, and unfortunately, your friends or family members will also provide you with inaccurate information either knowingly or unknowingly. 

If you are considering divorce, you must debunk divorce myths to ensure you have accurate information to move forward. The misconceptions surrounding divorce are endless, but some are more prevalent than others. Read on as we attempt to clear up some of the common misconceptions about divorce.

Myth #1: Adultery Plays a Huge Role in Influencing Divorce Outcomes

Truth: Adultery can impact divorce proceedings, but probably not in the way you are envisioning. Just because a party committed adultery does not mean that every decision made during divorce proceedings will go against them. You or your spouse will not be automatically punished for committing adultery. Also, the party who did not commit adultery will not automatically be favored during the proceedings. 

Nonetheless, adultery can have some impacts on divorce outcomes. For instance, if the spouse that committed adultery used marital assets to buy gifts, pay for trips, and do other things for their “lover,” they might be awarded fewer assets in the divorce. Additionally, adultery might be considered when determining what is in the best interests of a child. 

Myth #2: Divorce Court is the Only Option

Truth: There are many alternatives to court proceedings, and not all divorce cases are destined for litigation. Other options include arbitration and mediation. Therefore, if you are scared of battling out your issues in court, you can opt for another, more comfortable option. 

Myth #3: Mothers Always Get Child Custody

Truth: Firstly, Florida no longer embraces the concept of child custody, but instead uses the concept of parental time-sharing. Secondly, all parents have equal rights when it comes to time-sharing matters. Mothers may have been favored by the courts for custody in the past, but today, that is no longer the case. Time-sharing decisions are primarily made after thorough consideration of the best interests of children. 

Myth #4: Couples Must Divorce in the Same State They Got Married

Truth: Just because you did not get married in Florida does not mean you cannot get divorced in Florida. You can file for a divorce in Florida as long as you meet the residency requirements. Before filing for divorce in Florida, you or your spouse need to have resided in the state for at least six months. 

Contact a Divorce Attorney Today

If you believe that your marriage is irretrievably broken and are considering divorce, you need to consult an experienced divorce attorney. You need to seek expert guidance to avoid common pitfalls and misinformation. To receive expert advice and help, contact Tampa Bay Legal Center, P.A., today at (813) 341-3333 to schedule a consultation.