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What are some ways that I can prepare for a divorce?
Although many people are familiar with what happens in a typical divorce process, few are so experienced with getting a divorce that they wouldn’t benefit from some guidance regarding how to prepare for a divorce or how best to proceed when their marriage is ending. Whether or not you are sure that you want to get a divorce, there are several points you should keep in mind, plus a variety of ways that you can prepare for a divorce.
- Consider consulting an experienced divorce attorney. Most lawyers provide a no-cost initial consultation to answer your questions and explain the divorce process in your county. Even if you aren’t yet sure whether you want to get divorced, it’s a good idea to get the perspective of a legal professional.
- Make a list of questions you want to ask a divorce attorney at the initial consultation.
- Be very careful with what you put in writing to your spouse, whether in a letter, e-mail, or even text messaging.
- Be civil with your spouse. You don’t have to be friendly, but it is best to be courteous. Hostility and aggression will not help the divorce process.
- Before you go to the consultation with the attorney, make a list (at least in your mind, if not on paper) of all the assets, debts, and other legal obligations that you and your spouse have.
- If you don’t have them already, get copies of statements for bank accounts, investments, deeds to property, mortgage statements, retirement information, credit cards, and any other information relevant to your assets and debts.
- Cooperate with your attorney; provide requested information in a timely manner, and be honest with your answers to questions.
- If you have children, think about a custody arrangement that is best for the children and that both you and your spouse can live with. Take your custody questions to the initial consultation with the attorney.
- If there is any abuse going on, whether of you or your children, get help from community advocates or the police. If you and/or your children are in danger, look for housing away from your spouse.
- Do not use your children as a bargaining chip in the divorce, or withhold them as “punishment” for your spouse.
- During the initial separation, keep a record of your spouse’s contact with the children. If any significant events regarding your marriage or children occur at this time, write down the date with a description of the event.
No matter what your circumstances are, you can rely on the counsel and guidance of a qualified lawyer to help you through the legal process of getting a divorce. Contact an experienced divorce attorney in your area today, and get the answers you need.
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