Why You Will Hurt Yourself When Trying To Hurt Your Spouse During Divorce

The emotional rollercoaster of a divorce makes people do crazy things—things they wouldn't have imagined doing during their married life. For example, some people purposely set out to hurt their spouses. However bitter you may be, you should resist the urge to hurt your partner because you may also hurt yourself in the process. Here are three ways in which hurting your partner may hurt you during the divorce:

Going On a Spending Spree

This tactic is often employed by those who earn less than their spouses. For example, you may be tempted to drain your joint account (or your partner's credit card) if your partner earns way more than you and you don't want them to enjoy that money without you. Unfortunately, that money you are wasting isn't just your spouse's; it belongs to both of you. The more you spend, the less you will have to divide during asset division. On top of that, you may be ordered to reimburse your spouse their share of the money you wasted; this is possible under the legal doctrine of asset dissipation.

Badmouthing Your Spouse on Social Media

Using social media or any platform to badmouth your spouse is a double-edged sword. Your spouse's attorney will definitely scour through your social media accounts in search of evidence. Therefore, posting pictures of your European vacation with your new flame with captions about how superior they are to your spouse may be used as evidence in asset dissipation. Instagram posts detailing your all-night raves (to show your spouse you are having fun) maybe used to prove that you are a bad parent that doesn't deserve custody of your kids. In short, go easy on the social media show-offs until after the divorce, if you have to do it.

Having Extramarital Relations

Extramarital relations can hurt you in more ways than one. For example, you may achieve the intended effect of hurting your partner, and they may retaliate by purposefully making the divorce process more complicated. Your partner may decide to be difficult during the negotiations, refusing to yield even an inch. You may have to go to court to get anything from them. Some people even decide to file unnecessary motions to delay the divorce process so that you have to spend more money.

If you are feeling emotionally vulnerable, look for support from your close friends, family members, or even religious elders. For more information on divorce proceedings, contact local professionals like Eschbacher Law.