There is no other situation in life that is more stressful than filing for divorce. Preparing yourself prior to filing will help you feel more in control and organized as you go through the divorce process.
Filing for divorce is a process
There are several stages you will go through as you decide to file for divorce. First, you have to decide if you want to stay in the marriage or not. If you want to stay together, there are several steps you can take to make this happen. You can work through all the things you disagree on. You can be honest about all the things you want different and see if they could work together. You can work through the emotional issues that arise while going through the process. You can find out about child custody agreements and have the opportunity to give your side. You can start to plan for a future with your child or children, including your future home, your child’s education, financial arrangements, holidays, etc.
Preparing for filing
During this stressful time, you will need to think about some of the key issues that will come up during your divorce. Here are some questions you need to ask yourself: What would I want to happen after filing? Think about what you would want to happen when you file for divorce. What would you like to happen to your children? What would you like to happen if the other person files for divorce first? If you are filing for divorce to be closer to the kids, you will need to think about what a divorce may do to your ability to be there for them. Do you have to stay married? You may need to think about the finances of staying married. For example, if your spouse has an agreement that says you cannot file for divorce without him or her first filing, would it be worth it to stay married?
Divorce QuoteOutlining your objectives
Before you even decide to get a divorce, you need to get some clarity on your objectives. This will help you determine the order in which you should approach the different tasks involved in the divorce process. Advantages of becoming organized and prepared Without organization, it would be very hard to prepare for a divorce. For example, you need to be organized about all your finances and legal documents in order to make the most of the time you spend in the divorce process. Staying organized about the things that are most important to you will keep you focused on getting through the divorce process as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Choosing the right attorney
When getting divorced, you are required to hire an attorney, but you may want to look for a different type of attorney. An experienced family law attorney will be familiar with many aspects of divorce, such as legal issues, family law, contracts, taxes, probate, parenting, child support, and alimony. If you are not comfortable with your lawyer’s style, ask to see other divorce attorneys in your area. Remember, getting divorced is serious business and it is very important to choose the right family law attorney. Take the time to research attorneys, or even look for recommendations from friends and family. Take the time to ask questions to your lawyer to ensure that you are making the best choice for you.
Keeping your emotions in check
You need to be aware of your emotional state during this stressful time. It is important that you stay focused on what is important and do not dwell on the bad times, but instead remember the good times you shared. Use this as your opportunity to have a good cry if you need to, but otherwise stay rational and keep your emotions in check. This is especially important during the initial stages of filing and while your emotions are high. Talking about your feelings Do not be afraid to talk about your feelings. Being able to communicate how you are feeling, especially during this stressful time, will help your partner see how to proceed with the divorce. Talking can be an effective way to share your feelings, express what you need to feel better, and connect with your partner.
The benefits of marriage counseling
Most professionals and counselors agree that couples who attend marriage counseling before the filing of divorce will have a better chance of avoiding the problems that often escalate during the divorce. A few benefits include: Determine if the marriage is salvageable. Find out how each spouse feels about the marriage. Decide if there are issues that need to be resolved. Talk about how you want the divorce to be handled.
ONLINE MARRIAGE THERAPYChoose a mediator Once you know your marriage is over and you want to file for divorce, what’s next? You need to select a court mediator to help you. Just like any attorney, a mediator is usually a licensed and experienced attorney.