Getting a divorce is a daunting thought. People who have been through this experience would never have anything good to say. This can be said without a doubt because even mutually agreed divorces are very frustrating and stressful- which is a life-changing event!
Here, we are discussing the common misconceptions surrounding divorce, and we are hoping we can debunk the top 7 myths about getting a divorce in Alberta. If you are an Albertan, you can also check out the divorce process in Alberta. So, let’s get started!
Why Do the Myths About Getting a Divorce in Alberta Exist?
“Your life will never be the same!!!” “You can never have a normal life again if you get a divorce!!!” “They’ll take all your money!!” “Your children will be taken from you!”
People have been saying things like this about divorce for a long time. While some of it may have happened to many people, most are not certain. Moreover, the consequences of a divorce depend mainly on the circumstances.
Have you ever heard of “the Chinese Whisperer”? It’s a game that demonstrates how information is altered when transferred without any supervision among people. The same happens when myths are considered where people alter information subconsciously.
Someone might have experienced something very frustrating due to their divorce. They could be talking about it with their peers. However, just because they faced that situation doesn’t necessarily mean everyone will, or that’s the constant truth about divorce.
As a result, all these misconceptions and myths are born. While some of it may be legitimate information, these consequences are primarily arbitrary and dependent on the circumstances.
Top 7 Myths About Getting a Divorce in Alberta
Let’s dig deep into the top 7 myths about getting a divorce in Alberta!
- Arrange Your Divorce to Save Money
People often say that mutually settled divorces can save you a lot of money. Unfortunately, that’s only partially true. You could save your legal fees if you arrange for your divorce at best. However, you will lose more money than you would with proper legal representation.
Making the divorce arrangements yourself is firstly a lot of work. There are many complicated legal procedures that an individual from a non-legal background might not be able to handle correctly. There is also the risk of losing more significant sums of money if the settlement is unfavourable.
- The Court Cannot Reject Divorce Requests
The court can actually reject your divorce request. You should already have sorted all corollary relief matters (spousal support, child support, child custody, etc.) If these matters are not resolved, an application to sever the issues from the divorce can be made to the court. Once that’s done and accepted, divorce can be requested. One of the following three conditions must be met to make a divorce request:
- Since the marriage was celebrated, your spouse has engaged in adultery
- Since the marriage was celebrated, your spouse has committed cruelty (physical and/or mental) that made cohabitation intolerable
- The spouses have been separated from each other for no less than one year
- You Don’t Have to Interact with Your Former Spouse Anymore
Former spouses will have to interact even after the divorce, even more so if they have children. However, it’s essential to maintain civil courtesy and composure in those interactions. Some people even remain friends with their former spouse with the children’s best interest in mind.
- Traditional Divorces are More Expensive
Some conflicts can be resolved better by collaboration or mediation. However, not all divorces can be so easy to work out. In some cases, excessive stress and expenses can’t be avoided.
- Mothers Always Get Child Custody
It’s a pretty common presumption. However, if the mother is deemed unfit for parenting by the Court (financially, physically, or psychologically), they won’t necessarily get child custody. The court will always provide judgement with the children’s best interest in mind. If living with their father is evidently best for them, that would be the verdict.
- All Divorces End Up in Court
This is not true. In reality, it’s quite the opposite. The majority of the divorces are settled out of court.
- Children Can’t Make Something of Their Lives After a Divorce
Each child has their own coping mechanisms. There are instances where a child from a very violent broken family goes on to do great things in life.
Conclusion
Divorces are stressful and frustrating, to begin with. All this speculation only makes it worse. Hopefully, with this information, you can be at least slightly relieved for busting the myths about getting a divorce in Alberta. We hope it won’t necessarily end up just like people say it would!
