5 Essential Steps to Take When Preparing for Divorce

 Posted on May 02, 2023 in Family Law

While most people who get married plan to stay with their partners permanently, the possibility of divorce is always present. A marriage may break down for many reasons, ranging from serious issues such as infidelity or abuse to financial concerns, disagreements about children, or incompatibility. While the process of ending a marriage can be difficult, it can sometimes be the best option for a family, allowing spouses to leave a relationship that is no longer working and prepare for a more positive future. If you have encountered relationship problems, and you believe that divorce may be necessary, there are several steps you can take to prepare for the many legal, financial, practical, and emotional issues that you will need to address.

Getting Ready to End Your Marriage Successfully

While the divorce process may officially begin when either you or your spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage, you may begin separating from your spouse well before that happens. If you have started to take steps toward getting a divorce, or if you are planning to go down that road in the near future, you will want to do the following:

• Gather financial documents - It is important to have a clear understanding of your finances and the property you own before getting a divorce. You should make an effort to gather as much financial information as possible, including bank statements, tax returns, credit card bills, investment statements, and pay stubs. This will help you understand the issues that will need to be addressed during the property division process. By gaining a full understanding of the income earned by both parties, you can also be prepared to determine how child support and/or spousal support will be handled.

• Take steps toward financial independence - In addition to understanding how issues related to property and income will be handled, the information you gather can ensure that you will understand what you will need to do to meet your own needs after you have separated from your spouse. You can use this information to put together a budget that will allow you to cover all of your ongoing expenses. You can also begin to establish independence by opening bank accounts and/or credit cards in your name.

• Make a plan for your children - If you have children, you will need to determine how you and your spouse will share custody, and during the divorce process, you will need to make decisions about where they will live and when they will spend time with each parent. While you and your spouse will need to make these decisions together, you can prepare for discussions by writing down your plans and expectations. This will give you a starting point as you begin to negotiate a parenting plan, and it can help you focus on finding solutions that will provide for your children's best interests.

• Prepare yourself emotionally - Your divorce is likely to involve many different strong emotions, and you may struggle to adjust to the changes in your life. By making an effort to take care of yourself emotionally, you can minimize stress during the divorce process while focusing on the positive changes you will experience. You may want to consider talking to a therapist or counselor, joining a support group, or practicing self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or journaling.

• Be prepared to negotiate - While some divorces are contested, requiring litigation in the courtroom to resolve disputes between spouses, most are uncontested, and spouses are able to negotiate divorce settlements. As you prepare to address the issues that will need to be resolved during your divorce, you can consider the methods that you may want to use to reach agreements with your spouse. You may be able to negotiate with the help of your respective attorneys, or you may choose to use mediation to resolve any disputes and create a settlement. By understanding your options, you can determine the best approach to take that will help you achieve your goals.

Contact Our Lombard Divorce Lawyers

In addition to the steps detailed above, one of the most important things you can do when preparing for divorce is to find an attorney who can represent you during your case. Your lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process, ensure that you understand the applicable laws, protect your rights, and help you address and resolve any issues that may arise. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our Bloomingdale divorce attorneys can assist you as you work to end your marriage, ensuring that you will be able to move forward with your life and meet your family's ongoing needs. Call our office at 630-932-9100 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.marriage.com/advice/divorce/divorce-preparation-checklist/

https://www.brides.com/steps-to-take-when-preparing-for-divorce-1103276

https://www.coveyclub.com/blog_posts/10-things-every-woman-must-do-to-prepare-for-divorce/