As if your marriage ending wasn't stressful enough, many people find divorce processes to be extremely complicated and confusing. Whether your divorce is being handled outside or inside the courtroom, it can have several costly implications, especially if you don't have the right knowledge and preparation.

Divorce lawyers have witnessed all types of divorces – from amicable separations to highly contentious splits. Hence, you can be sure they know a thing or two about divorces that you probably don't. Keep reading to learn four things every divorce lawyer wishes you knew. 

Pick Your Battles Wisely

Sometimes, a good outcome for you means knowing when to cut your losses. Considering you're facing what is probably the most financially and emotionally stressful period of your life, it's not a good idea to spend every dime chasing things that wouldn't add much value to your life. 

Even if money isn't a problem, spending several thousand dollars fighting over a coffee maker or an old china collection really doesn't make sense. So, focus on what's important. Full custody of your kids? Keeping the estate that belonged to your grandpa? Focus on the big prize and stop sweating the small stuff. 

Reveal It All

Don't be afraid to reveal everything about your case to your divorce lawyer. Even if you think it's illegal or embarrassing, all information is protected by a lawyer-client privilege. If you have physically abused your spouse, struggled with substance abuse, or there are compromising photos of yourself out there, your lawyer needs to know. 

If you're afraid or embarrassed to discuss the details, you can share them via email or letter. Remember, if your soon-to-be-ex knows about it, their lawyer likely knows too, and they will not hesitate to use it against you. With advance notice, your lawyer can fight off the charges or at least minimise the sting. 

Know Your Monthly Expenses

In some families, one partner takes care of bills and budgets while the other handles everything else. And that's okay. But if you're the one that handles everything else, it's critical that you have some idea about your family's monthly expenses. 

Typically, your family's lifestyle and expenses will come up in spousal support and child support cases. Knowing how much your family spends on housing costs, food, health insurance, utilities, education, and toiletries will help you and your lawyer when deciding how much financial support you'll need in the future. 

Trying to Hide Money Is a Bad Idea

You may decide to shield your assets from being counted as 'marital property' by funnelling funds offshore or taking money from your business. But more often than not, that's a bad idea. You could be held for contempt of court if you fail to disclose that under oath. 

For more information, contact a family lawyer near you.