Heading into a divorce can be daunting. If you need help figuring out what to do before or during the process, then you should consider reading some tips from people who understand the divorce process well. A quality divorce lawyer will have helped lots of people through divorces, so their insight is invaluable.
1. Find a Hard-Working Lawyer
The first thing you’ll need on your side is an attorney who’ll defend you and help you get the outcome you want from your divorce. Find someone compassionate, experienced, and approachable who listens and has a client-focused approach. If you have kids, then your attorney should have experience in child custody law, too, so you don’t have to find another attorney when it’s time to decide the custody arrangements.
To get in touch with an experienced, hard-working attorney who’ll take your case into consideration, click here.
2. Decide What You Want
What do you want out of this divorce? Consider how you’d like to split your assets, what you want out of the custody arrangement, and what you’ll want or need in the future. If you’re going to need financial support going forward, then consider that when deciding what you’ll want and need to get out of the divorce.
If you’d like sole custody of your children, then make it known early. Knowing what you want at the start of the process may make it easier to focus on the end goal. Being decisive should make the process go smoother as you won’t have to spend as much time trying to figure out what you want along the way.
3. Discuss Your Divorce with Your Former Partner
If you and your former partner still have an amicable relationship, then discuss the divorce with them before starting the legal proceedings. Talk about what you’re both seeking and what you’re going to try to win out of your divorce. Try to be calm and see it from the other person’s point of view. Open and honest communication is key here.
If there’s something you’re not happy with, then try to talk to your former partner about a compromise. However, if talking to your former partner isn’t helpful, then it’s okay to begin legal proceedings, hire attorneys, and only communicate with your attorneys present.
4. Organize Your Finances
Always organize your finances as early as possible when seeking a divorce. Try to evaluate how much your new life will cost. Consider how much it’ll cost to care for your children both now and in the future. Talk to your attorney about your spousal support needs; are you able to pay spousal maintenance if your partner needs it, or will you need spousal maintenance once you’re divorced?
Take into account how much keeping your home or acquiring a new one will cost. Get your current finances in order as soon as you possibly can, and determine what you’ll need financially going forward. This may help you figure out what to seek financially as you go through the divorce. Don’t forget to factor in child support payments, if applicable.
5. Talk to Your Attorney About Your Goals
Ensure your attorney always knows exactly what you want out of this divorce, and highlight the most important things you’re seeking. If you desperately want the house, but you’re okay with giving up the car, then make that clear. If you want a certain shared possession in your home but aren’t as passionate about other shared possessions, then let your attorney know.
Your attorney needs to know what to factor into your settlement. Don’t lose out on the things that are most important to you by failing to let your attorney know what you want.
6. Ask Questions and Seek Advice
The divorce process can be confusing, but your attorney will be there to answer any questions you have during the process. Ask questions, ask for your attorney’s advice, and apply any advice given accordingly. If there’s ever anything you’re unsure about, then don’t be afraid to let your lawyer know.
7. Talk To Your Children
This time isn’t just stressful for you. If you have children, then it’s stressful for them, too. Don’t leave them in the dark about what’s going on. Your kids don’t need to know the details of your divorce or the settlement, but make sure they feel heard and supported while this is going on. Children tend to blame themselves when their parents get divorced, so do everything you can to let your children know it’s not their fault.
If you’re heading into a divorce, then preparation may help you greatly in making the process easier. Know what you want, communicate openly and honestly with your attorney and your former partner, and never be afraid to ask questions. Your attorney wants to help you through this.