5 Steps to Take When Preparing for Divorce

Divorces are hard. Besides handling the emotional pain of your marriage breaking, you must settle child custody issues and property distribution. There is also a lot of paperwork needed during divorce proceedings.

All the processes involved in a divorce can feel overwhelming. But knowing how to prepare for your divorce helps you handle everything better. This article outlines five tips to prepare for divorce.

1. Find a Divorce Lawyer

Although you and your spouse can complete the divorce proceedings amicably, an attorney will make the process much smoother. An attorney helps you understand the implications of every choice you make during the divorce. Thus, you make informed choices.

Additionally, your attorney looks out for your best interests during divorce negotiations. Your lawyer is not a weapon against your spouse. They are there to guide you so you can legally close your divorce quickly and with little to no conflict. 

Note that every exchange with a lawyer will cost you money. Therefore, before you talk to them, prepare a list of all the matters you would like to discuss.

2. Take a Hard Look at Your Finances

Divorce has quite a significant impact on a person's finances. Thus, if you do not prepare for the financial repercussions of divorce, it may compromise your financial stability.

Your expenses are the first thing you should consider. Perhaps you and your spouse split your utility bills and are paying for a mortgage together. In this case, you must figure out how to pay your bills after the divorce. 

If your income is insufficient, consider getting a second job or asking your employer for a pay raise. If your spouse is the breadwinner, start looking for a job to cater to your expenses after the divorce.

Your assets and liabilities are the second financial aspect you should consider. Determine which property and debts you had before the marriage and list them. Next, list your marital property. This includes all debts and properties acquired after marriage.

Gather all property documents and hand them over to your lawyer, as these are vital in dividing assets and liabilities.

3. Gather Relevant Documents

Ask your lawyer what documents you need for your divorce early on and make copies of each. Relevant documents in a divorce include:

• Income documents such as your tax returns, bank statements, and income statements
• Real estate documents like title deeds and current mortgage statements
• Life insurance policy documents
• Pension fund documentation
• Any other property ownership documents

With these documents, your attorney can develop the right strategy to represent your best interests during the divorce case.

4. Focus on Your Children

Moving from a two-parent family to two single-parent households will be a huge adjustment for your children. Your divorce may even affect your children psychologically. Thus, focus on reducing the impact of your divorce on your children.

How you relate with your spouse determines how your children will adjust to the divorce. So, avoid putting the kids in the middle of any disagreements you may have and try to co-parent peacefully. If you can, sign up your children for therapy. Also, have a solid parenting schedule. 

5. Watch Your Behavior

Things may get acrimonious between you and your spouse. But try your best to remain civil in all your interactions with them. Do not send angry texts or emails or threaten your spouse, as they may use it against you during the divorce proceedings.

How you spend your time in public may also hurt your case. So, refrain from partying, drinking, or any other activity the judge might deem irresponsible.

Divorces are tough, but you will be okay eventually. Meanwhile, follow the preparation checklist above to make the process smoother.

An attorney is crucial in every step of preparing for a divorce. So if you need help getting ready for your divorce, contact the divorce attorneys at Evergreen Family Law Group PLLC.