10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Divorce

Knowledge is power! Here are 10 aspects to divorce that many people going through the process may not be aware of:

1. Gifts from your spouse aren’t always yours to keep.
   In some states, gifts exchanged during marriage can be considered marital property and divided in divorce.
   
   
2. Pets are usually treated like property.
   In many states, your dog or cat is legally no different from a couch in the eyes of the court — though a few states now consider the pet’s best interest.
   
   
3. Debt gets divided, too.
   If your spouse racks up credit card debt during marriage — even without your knowledge — you may still be on the hook for part of it.
   
   
4. Retirement accounts can be split.
   Pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs earned during marriage are often considered marital property, even if only one spouse’s name is on them.
   
   
5. Moving out can affect custody negotiations.
   Leaving the marital home before a custody arrangement is in place could be used against you in determining where the kids live.
   
   
6. You might still be entitled to part of future bonuses.
   Work bonuses, commissions, or stock options earned during marriage but paid out after separation can still be divided.
   
   
7. The “date of separation” matters — a lot.
   That date can determine what’s considered marital vs. separate property, so it’s worth knowing how your state defines it.
   
   
8. Changing your will or beneficiaries mid-divorce can be tricky.
   Some states have automatic restraining orders that prevent making certain financial changes once divorce is filed.
   
   
9. Mediation isn’t just for “amicable” splits.
   Even in high-conflict cases, mediation can resolve more issues than you might expect — saving time, money, and stress.
   
   
10. Divorce doesn’t always mean selling the house.
    Some couples agree to “nesting” — where the kids stay put and the parents take turns living in the family home.