Cordell & Cordell Principal Partner and Founder Joe Cordell contributed a new column, “Why Moving Out is the Biggest Mistake in a Divorce,” to The Huffington Post regarding divorce and mistakes made when moving out of the marital home.
In the June 2014 article, Mr. Cordell points out that one of the most damaging errors men often make during the divorce process is when they decide to move out of the home. He cites his book, “The 10 Stupidest Mistakes Men Make When Facing Divorce,” and mentions that this mistake ranks as number one on his list.
“The top reason not to leave the marital home ‘voluntarily’ is that it gives your wife’s attorney the opportunity to label you as abandoning the family,” said Mr. Cordell. “Even if you feel you are being bullied into leaving by your wife, let me be perfectly clear: You have no obligation to leave the home if your name is on the lease or mortgage.”
Mr. Cordell discusses the importance of showing “positive involvement and influence” in family life and going through the divorce process as a man, and especially as a dad in custody decisions.
He also listed some ideas for men facing this difficult decision on whether to move out of the marital home before a divorce or to stay.
“Move to a spare bedroom, avoid any unnecessary interactions with your soon-to-be ex spouse and, most importantly, continue being an active part of your children’s lives,” wrote Mr. Cordell.
Written by Joseph E. Cordell
Joseph E. Cordell is the Principal Partner at Cordell and Cordell, P.C., which he founded in 1990 with his wife, Yvonne. Over the past 25 years, the firm has grown to include more than 100 offices in 30 states, as well as internationally in the United Kingdom. Mr. Cordell is licensed to practice in the states of Illinois and Missouri and received his LL.M. from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Joseph E. Cordell was named one of the Top 10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Missouri.
