When you’ve never been divorced, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the legal process and your valid emotions. The good news is that you’re not alone. Millions of people divorce every year, and anyone who has gone through it will tell you it’s a stressful time made worse by the fear of the unknown and that sickening feeling that you may never be able to fully prepare for divorce.
But the attorneys at Christman Attorneys, PLLC want to assure you that you can prepare for divorce. We have a unique and refreshing approach to the often turbulent and emotionally stressful disputes arising from the context of divorce, child custody, and other family law cases, and it is our mission to provide clients with long-range perspectives and outstanding legal advice that help them now and help rebuild their families after marital dissolution. So as complicated as everything sounds right now, you can take the reins.
Practical ways to prepare for divorce.
Learn how the divorce process works
No two divorces are the same, so you can’t expect your situation to mirror what happened to Betty from down the street. However, there’s nothing wrong with asking them or anyone you know to share what they know. Having a solid baseline of knowledge — even if some of it doesn’t apply to your situation — can ease some of your concerns because you have an idea regarding what to expect.
Know your options
You could have a contentious divorce case, or you and your spouse could work things out amicably. Did you know that? It’s true. In fact, the reality is that marriages end peacefully all the time and don’t always reach a courtroom. So, if you don’t mind working together, mediation and collaborative divorce help couples peacefully negotiate all the terms of their divorce (debt division, custody, spousal support, property division, etc.) in a neutral setting with their attorneys present.
Take your time and think ahead for life’s what-ifs
There are many important life matters to consider before, during, and after divorce. A few examples include how you will tell your kids and family that you’re getting divorced, new living arrangements, existing and future job opportunities, and even how you will pay for the divorce. Answering these and many more questions helps give you a clearer picture of what you want to achieve from this divorce and what life can look like when the dust settles.
Gather your financial records and organize critical paperwork
One of the best ways to prepare for divorce is to have a solid understanding of your financial situation. Doing so saves time and money, makes your lawyer’s job easier, and also gives you peace of mind that you have everything you need right at your fingertips. Examples of relevant paperwork and financial information include bank statements, investment information, tax returns, retirement accounts, real estate deeds, credit card bills, mortgage information, etc.
Hire an experienced and compassionate attorney
Once you have read up on the divorce process, gathered relevant information, and feel like you are a little bit prepared for divorce, it’s time to hire a family law attorney. Divorce is not something you want to attack alone, even if you do feel prepared. Find someone with experience with your type of case, but also make sure their team of attorneys is solutions-minded and has their clients’ best interests at heart. Discuss the case with them and understand how they plan to walk you through the process. For example, our law firm anchors its representation and legal advice on principles and philosophies that focus on the long-term best interests of children and families.
Although it is not easy, our attorneys are committed to supporting and guiding clients through the dark days of marital crisis. And that includes giving them access to anything that helps them prepare for divorce.
Please call Christman Attorneys, PLLC, for your legal needs today!
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman Attorneys, PLLC believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your own personal circumstances.
We have an unwavering commitment to helping our clients at each stage of their legal situation.
