As part of our continuing series on divorce coaching, this month we focus on your reputation. It’s important to have strategies in place to help you manage your reputation.
Follow the Two-Sentence Rule
The two-sentence rule is the best defense against saying too much when someone other than a close friend asks you how your divorce is going. Have a two-sentence answer scripted, rehearsed, and ready to go – something like, “It’s been hard, but I’m getting through it. Thanks for asking.” Then, when a casual acquaintance asks you what’s going on, you’ll know exactly what to say.
Don’t Have ‘Negative’ on your Facebook page
The first place your ex’s divorce lawyer is going to look for embarrassing evidence to use against you is your social media accounts. It’s not just what you write on your own page that can be scrutinized: any comment you make on anyone else’s page is also fair game. Most lawyers advise their clients to shut down all social media accounts until their divorce is final.
Don’t wear your ‘Crazy’
Your ex’s number-one objective right now might be to convince everyone that you are completely crazy. (A divorce often doesn’t bring out the best in people) Your number-one objective is to make sure you don’t provide your ex with a winning outfit.
Don’t Buy Yourself Problems
Every dime you spend will be subject to scrutiny. You may be required to provide copies of all your bank account and credit-card statements to your ex., and your spending will be carefully reviewed. That means every time you make a purchase, you’re buying a conversation piece for your ex and his/her lawyer.
No one gets everything right 100 percent of the time. You should never go into a divorce with the idea that the stress of it all entitles you to a meltdown or two, but you also shouldn’t go into it expecting that you will behave perfectly, either. You’re human; you’ll make mistakes.
Listen to your attorney. Learn what you can from your mistakes so you can avoid making similar ones in the future.
To learn more and participate in our Divorce Coaching, or for a Complimentary Consultation please call The Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman, P.C., 661-255-1800 or visit www.chroman.aw.com for more information. You can also purchase the number one selling Divorce Workbook written by Steven Chroman on amazon.com for additional resources and guidance.
This article was originally published in Santa Clarita Magazine as part of our firm’s mission to make family law information more accessible to the Santa Clarita community. Read the full feature and others at santaclaritamagazine.com.