Divorce hurts most everyone involved, from the spouses to the kids and even the relatives on both sides. Preparing for divorce can help you understand the process and minimize the stress and reduce the amount of time and money you spend. With a few divorce tips, you can endure the process and come out a stronger person for the future.
1. Contemplate two very important questions.
- Do you really, truly want a divorce, and
- Is a divorce the only option you have?
Most people seek divorce without really thinking the process through. Divorce is not always the first or best option. Therefore, when preparing for divorce, take time to ask yourself these two questions before you end what could possibly be a very good and lasting marriage.
2. Keep the children’s best interests at heart.
Many spouses knowingly and unknowingly involve their children, creating unnecessary stress and making the children have to choose between one parent or the other. The children can carry this burden long into their adult lives. Additionally, it can affect how they deal with their own relationships in the future. Before you spend time in an ugly custody battle, place your children’s well-being before your own.
We have also written an article on the Effect of Children on Divorce. If you really think you will be in an nasty divorce, please read Parental Alienation Syndrome During Divorce.
3. Gather your documents.
Do you have your mortgage information? Do you have copies of all the tax returns, loan documents, bank statements and important payments? You should gather all of this material before you file for divorce in order to save time and money during the divorce process. Your divorce lawyer can also use this information to give you an idea on what you can expect to receive in a settlement or a trial.
4. Check your credit report.
So many spouses go years without checking their credit report. It’s important to check your credit before you start the divorce process. As an example, there have been cases in which a husband has opened an account in the wife’s name without her knowledge. It happens to husbands too, so make sure you know what’s on your credit report, and take note of any suspicious activity.
5. Create a spreadsheet and a daily log.
Use a spreadsheet to calculate all the items in your home and their cost. Include most everything in your home, as the items should be divided equally between you and your spouse. In addition, use a daily log to keep track of the divorce process so that you stay on top of things. You can also use the log to note any negative or positive encounters with your spouse before the divorce is finalized.
6. Disconnect from your spouse online.
Most couples have shared accounts online. Such as email accounts, bank accounts, social media accounts and/or mobile phone accounts. Most of these accounts also have shared email acconts and passwords. When preparing for divorce, make sure to set up own email account. After these accounts have been changed to your personal email account, make sure that the passwords are new and never been used by you and your spouse. Check out other ways to disconnect from your spouse online.
Divorce advice is often easier to give than to receive. If you feel the burden weighing you down, seek guidance from a counselor. Just a few talks can help reduce your stress and provide encouragement and support when you need it.
If you’re ready to talk to a divorce attorney, please check give Attorney Cheshire a call. You are always welcome to ask a divorce question directly on the website. Attorney Cheshire will reply to you personally.