Five Toxic Behaviors Common In A San Jose Divorce
After dealing with an unhappy marriage, you may be eager to get a divorce and rebuild your life. Unfortunately, behavior on the part of your soon-to-be former spouse could complicate divorce proceedings, making it harder to get a final order. Our San Jose divorce lawyer explains five common types of toxic behavior and how they could impact your rights in court.
- Refusing to cooperate with divorce proceedings.
One of the most frustrating types of toxic behavior in a San Jose divorce is when the other party refuses to cooperate with the process. Not responding to a divorce petition or summons, failing to appear at hearings in the Santa Clara Family Court area, or not attending divorce negotiations are common tactics used to maintain control and exact revenge.
Fortunately, your spouse’s cooperation is not required to get a final order. Also, their bad behavior could work against them, which might entitle you to payment of your attorney fees and costs.
- Gaslighting and disputing your version of the facts.
Gaslighting may involve disputing how certain events happened, downplaying bad behavior, or contradicting your version of events. This is a common type of toxic behavior that may have contributed to the failure of your marriage and can impact your mental health, as well as your rights in divorce. Discuss gaslighting immediately with our San Jose divorce lawyer.
- Attempting to humiliate you in court.
Making wild accusations, calling you names or other put-downs, revealing intimate details, or otherwise attempting to humiliate you during divorce is a form of emotional abuse and an effort to intimidate and maintain control. This is another behavior that could work against your former partner. Any type of grandstanding in legal proceedings and a general lack of decorum could result in contempt of court charges.
- Hiding assets.
California is a community property state. This means that under the California Family Code, you are generally entitled to half of all property and assets in the event of a divorce. However, to avoid giving up the rights to certain items or getting more than their share in a settlement, your spouse may attempt to hide assets. As an experienced San Jose divorce lawyer, we uncover hidden assets and make sure the other party is held accountable for their behavior.
- Stalking, harassment, and threats.
Stalking, harassment, and making threats are all common when going through a divorce in San Jose. Make no mistake: this is a type of domestic violence, and it is important to take it seriously. Our office can review your situation and advise you on whether a restraining order is needed.
Request A Consultation With Our San Jose Divorce Lawyer Today
Going through a divorce is never easy, but toxic behavior on the part of your spouse can make it even more difficult. Argyris Mah, LLP provides the caring support and trusted legal representation needed to protect your rights. Get our legal team on your side. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation with our experienced San Jose divorce lawyer today.
Sources:
santaclara.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-division
casetext.com/statute/california-codes/family-code-fam/division-6-nullity-dissolution-and-legal-separation-2000-2452/part-3-dissolution-of-marriage-and-legal-separation-2300-2452
