Whether you're in the midst of a divorce or thinking about filing for one, one fact remains. A separation can be one of the most difficult times in anybody's life. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of divorce myths floating around out there that can make the process even more stressful and complicated than it needs to be. By being aware of some of the most common myths, you can be better informed as you move through the process.

Myth 1: You Don't Need a Lawyer if Things Are Amicable

One of the biggest mistakes people make when going through a divorce is trying to save money by representing themselves. Unfortunately, even if a divorce seems to be amicable, not having legal representation can come back to haunt you. This is especially true if a dispute arises at any point during the process (as it often does), at which point you'll be rushed to find a lawyer who can represent you and help fight for your legal rights.

Myth 2: Custody of Children Always Goes to the Mother

In cases where shared children are involved, things can get especially complicated. However, fathers should be aware that custody does not automatically default to the mother in all cases. Specific laws can vary from one state to the next, but there are many factors that come into play when determining who will have primary custody of a child. Ultimately, the best interests of the child will always be the court's top priority.

Myth 3: You Have to Get Divorced in the State Where You Wed

If you were married in another state than where you currently live, you will need to satisfy all the divorce requirements of that state. However, this doesn't mean you'll have to physically return to the state where you were married. 

Myth 4: Your Spouse Needs to Agree on a Divorce

If your spouse is against the idea of getting a divorce, you may feel as though you're stuck in your marriage. This couldn't be further from the truth. It just means that you'll have to go through the process of filing for a contested divorce; courts will almost always grant a divorce in these instances.

These are just a few of the most commonly perpetuated divorce myths out there; avoid falling for these and make sure you're well represented by a divorce attorney as you move forward with the process.