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Most people don’t want a drawn-out fight. But many still end up in one—not because they’re aggressive, but because they make small, emotional moves that sabotage their own process.
At Ostrovsky Law, we’ve seen how seemingly harmless habits can slow everything down, drive up fees, and damage your position. These aren’t courtroom mistakes. These are real-life behaviors that affect outcomes, even if you never mean them to.
Here are five divorce mistakes we see often—and how to avoid them.
Some clients get stuck in “control mode.” Every decision, every object, every moment becomes a battle. And in the middle of that, the actual goals—custody, security, reputation—get buried.
What it looks like:
Why it’s a problem:
Courts don’t care who bought the toaster. But if you’re constantly combative, it can affect how cooperative you appear in bigger issues—like parenting or spousal support.
What to do instead:
Choose your battles based on impact. Don’t give up what matters. But don’t chase ego wins that cost more than they’re worth.
Keep your focus on what actually protects you. At Ostrovsky Law, we help clients in Florida prioritize the outcomes that matter—so they don’t lose time, leverage, or control chasing the wrong fight.
You might think your Instagram post is harmless. Or that it’s fine to tell mutual friends your side. But once you start publishing your divorce story—online or offline—you lose control of the narrative.
What it looks like:
Why it’s a problem:
Your ex may twist your words. Mutual contacts may spread your business. Judges or evaluators might see content that contradicts how you want to be perceived.
What to do instead:
Talk to one trusted person offline. Keep your social presence neutral. Divorce is not a brand campaign, keep it private and if you want people to respect your privacy.
Everyone’s got an opinion. “You should fight for the house.” “Don’t give an inch.” “My friend got full custody—so should you.” But they don’t live your life. And they won’t deal with the consequences of a bad advice.
What it looks like:
Why it’s a problem:
You lose clarity. You start reacting to opinions instead of facts. You second-guess the professionals actually working your case.
What to do instead:
Limit your influence circle. Keep emotional support and legal strategy separate. Opinions aren’t outcomes.
Divorce isn’t a group project. If you’re being pulled in five directions, it’s time to reset. Narrow your circle. Pick a calm friend, a mental health pro, and your attorney. That’s it. Don’t crowdsource your future.
This one happens more than most people admit. It’s rarely intentional, but using your child as a communication tool puts them in the crossfire.
What it looks like:
Why it’s a problem:
Kids get anxious. They feel torn. And if this pattern continues, it can affect not only your relationship—but custody evaluations, child support or court perception.
What to do instead:
Use a parenting app, keep communication direct, and never involve your child in adult logistics.
Divorce is emotional—but acting on hunches, suspicions, or “what your gut says” can backfire. You might believe your ex is hiding money. Or that the judge will side with you. But assumptions are not strategy.
What it looks like:
Why it’s a problem:
You may act too early, too aggressively, or based on incorrect information—causing real damage to your position.
What to do instead:
Ask. Clarify. Don’t guess. Let facts—not fear—guide your next move. And when in doubt, let your attorney pressure-test the situation before you take action.
Don’t let a preventable mistake shape the outcome of your case. Whether you’re facing a high-conflict parenting situation or need strategic help with timesharing or post-divorce modifications, Ostrovsky Law provides results-driven support across South Florida. Explore our full range of family law services or contact us to schedule a confidential consultation today.
Can being difficult over small items hurt me in court?
Yes. Judges prefer parties who show cooperation on non-essential items. Obsessive arguing makes you look combative.
Do social media posts affect divorce?
Absolutely. Even private posts can be used to question your credibility or character—especially in custody disputes.
Is it OK to get advice from friends and family?
Support is fine. Strategy is not. Legal and financial guidance should come from professionals, not people with unrelated stories.
Can my child tell the judge what’s going on?
In Florida, children don’t usually testify directly. And if they do, it’s through controlled processes—not casual reports..
