As a divorce lawyer who has been in practice for almost 20 years, I regularly see people fall into the same traps, and avoiding them can make all the difference.  The following are seven of the most common mistakes—and how you can steer clear of them.

Hiding assets

It can be tempting to keep something back—a bank account, an investment, or even cash tucked away. But, in reality, hiding assets is one of the worst things you can do. Courts in Northern Ireland expect complete honesty, and if assets come to light later, the entire settlement can be reopened. Worse still, the Court may take a very dim view of dishonesty, which damages credibility and can lead to an even less favourable outcome. Full disclosure might feel uncomfortable, but it’s the safest and indeed the most cost effective way to ensure a fair settlement.

Rushing the process

No one enjoys a divorce, and many people understandably want to get it over with as quickly as possible. But rushing to an agreement without proper valuations and advice can leave you locked into a settlement that doesn’t meet your needs. Taking the time to understand the value of assets—from property to pensions to business interests—ensures that decisions are made with clarity rather than haste.

Forgetting pensions

It is easy to think of the family home as the most valuable asset, but pensions are often just as significant, if not more so. I frequently see cases where one spouse has built up a large pension pot while the other has focused on raising children or managing the home. Overlooking pensions can leave one party at a serious disadvantage later in life. Options such as pension sharing orders or offsetting against other assets are available, but they need to be properly explored.

Ignoring tax consequences

Financial settlements are not just about who gets what—they are also about timing and structure. Transferring property or shares, for example, can create tax implications that are easily missed in the rush of negotiations. Without proper financial advice, you might find yourself facing a large tax bill down the line. By considering tax at the outset, it’s often possible to structure a settlement in a way that is both fair and tax-efficient.

Overlooking future needs

It’s natural to focus on the immediate issues—where you will live, how the bills will be paid, and how to manage short-term stability. But a settlement should also look ahead. Will there be enough to cover retirement? What about the costs of university for children? Is ongoing maintenance appropriate? Thinking about the bigger picture helps to build financial security well into the future.

Fighting over small items

It’s easy for negotiations to get bogged down in arguments over possessions—furniture, cars, or even household items. While these things matter, they often pale in comparison to the overall financial picture. Prolonged disputes over smaller items not only add stress but also increase legal costs. By keeping the focus on the larger assets and long-term security, the process becomes smoother and often less expensive.

Failing to seek advice early

Some couples attempt to handle everything themselves, thinking it will save money. Unfortunately, DIY agreements often unravel later, especially if one party feels pressured or key assets were missed. Speaking to a solicitor early on does not mean the process will become adversarial. In fact, it often leads to more balanced, practical agreements that stand the test of time.

Divorce settlements can be complicated, but they don’t need to be a battleground. With honesty, patience, and the right professional advice, it is possible to avoid the pitfalls that so many others fall into. Taking the time to get it right now will save heartache—and expense—later.

For advice and assistance relating to divorce and separation, contact our Family Law Partner Karen Connolly on 028 902 43901 or email her on karen@fhanna.co.uk