The process of going through a divorce is one which no couple anticipates facing. It can drain even the most rational people as squabbles tend to peak over what many believe are trivial matters.
As time goes by, however, rational thought may return. If you believe the issues have resolved and even the tensest of times has passed, you may want to go ahead and sign the divorce papers making the split final. However, you may want to take some time to review the issues one last time to ensure you have not missed something critical.
Child custody and visitation
One of the most volatile aspects of divorce has to do with parenting time and custody. One parent may push to get the kids more while the other believes it is not in the overall best interest. Do not sign off on a custody or visitation arrangement you do not fully agree with. Doing so may cause more harm in the long-run for you and your children.
Retirement disbursement
Money division may create some of the most common fights during a split. One such subset of this is retirement accounts, especially if one spouse has one and the other does not. This may occur when one has stayed home to care for children. Not getting a piece of the retirement account may come back to cause regret down the road. Sometimes spouses can agree to cash settlements or a greater property split in lieu of going through the process of splitting a 401(k).
Property division
Did you agree to remain in the marital home after divorce? If you do not feel like this is something you can handle financially, do not push for it. Depending on having the money to pay for repairs and upkeep, as well as the mortgage, may burden you in the short and long term. You may instead want to agree to sell the home and split the proceeds.
Ending a marriage with a divorce decree may seem best, and in some cases it is. However, doing so prematurely only because you cannot see yourself continuing on with the process may do great harm.
