Home » 3 First Steps To Getting A Divorce

3 First Steps To Getting A Divorce

by EmmaSturgis

Now that you have decided your marriage is beyond repair and the time has come to seek a divorce, you are of course very emotional and wondering what the future may hold. While this is natural, it is nevertheless important that you know which steps are crucial in the initial stages leading up to your divorce. Should you make mistakes early on, it could impact your finances, living arrangements, and even how often you are with your children. When getting a divorce, make these three steps the first ones you take.

Gather Your Financial Information

Whether you have been married for decades or for only a few years, always begin gathering your financial information when you know divorce is inevitable. First, determine what you own in terms of marital property and assets. Since laws can vary among states, it will be important to know if any assets you had prior to getting married are considered to be owned only by you or by you and your spouse. You will also need to determine how much you owe, since marital debt is usually split equally by most states. Finally, determine your income and begin closing joint accounts, such as checking, savings, and credit cards.

Hire an Experienced Attorney

If you want to emerge from your divorce in the best possible shape financially and otherwise, hire an experienced divorce attorney who has a track record of success with clients similar to yourself. Once you have a good attorney on your side, they will fight hard to protect your rights as a parent, ensure financial terms of the divorce are fair and equitable, and be there to provide you with sound legal advice you can trust as your divorce proceeds to its conclusion. Should you and your spouse be like many couples today, you may opt for mediation instead of court hearings. Mediation will allow you to maintain decision-making capability on major issues such as child custody, and will also not be a matter of public record, allowing you to keep details of your divorce private.

Stay on Your Best Behavior

Last but not least, you must stay on your best behavior while your divorce proceeds. Even if you and your spouse are not on good terms, do not make disparaging posts on social media, and certainly do not threaten them in any way in person or online. If you check your emotions at the door and use common sense, everything should be fine.

Though a divorce is the end of one relationship, it also opens the door to a new future. By taking these steps at the beginning, your future can be very, very bright.

You may also like

Leave a Comment