Are you contemplating divorce? The divorce process is not only daunting but also takes an emotional toll on both parties. Therefore, people planning a divorce are encouraged to seek support from close friends and relatives. In the excerpt below, you will learn a few other ways to prepare for divorce.
Be sure about the process.
Do not rush into getting divorced. Evaluate other options such as couples counselling. You can also separate from your partner and see if the situation will improve. Divorce should be considered when you are certain that your marriage has irrevocably broken down.
Consult an attorney.
Consult a family lawyer at a firm such as Ray Swift Moutrage & Associates and inform him or her of your intent to divorce. The family lawyer will evaluate your case and check if you meet the minimum requirements for divorce. Below are a few questions to ask your attorney:
- What are the possible outcomes? Although your attorney cannot predict the judge's ruling, he or she can advise about property settlement and child custody.
- Ask your attorney how you should conduct yourself once the divorce proceedings commence.
- How long will the process take? Out-of-court settlements are shorter than court proceedings.
- What are the charges? Ask for a quote detailing the attorney's price structure and extra charges.
Prepare your finances.
Before you initiate a divorce, check your finances to know if you can afford the process. For example, if you have an outstanding bank loan, clear it to ensure you have adequate finances to pay your attorney and cater for your personal expenses.
Talk to your spouse.
If your partner is reasonable, inform him or her of your intent to initiate divorce proceedings. Do not attempt this if you think that he or she could harm you or attempt to frustrate the process. If you have children, discuss how you will protect their interests during the divorce period. For instance, how will you prepare them for the divorce? Will they change schools? Where will they live?
Consider out-of-court settlements.
Subject to the nature of your relationship, the proceedings could be ugly since parties might give negative information to gain an upper hand in court. Out-of-court settlements provide spouses with an opportunity to settle their affairs in private. You will meet with your attorneys and negotiate how to settle affairs. Prior contracts such as prenuptial agreements ease the divorce process since they stipulate how the couple should wind up their marriage.
When preparing for divorce, evaluate other options, consult an attorney, prepare your finances, talk to your spouse and consider an out of court settlement.
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