In some cases, the end of a marriage can come as an unwelcome surprise. In others, both parties see it coming in advance, and it may bring more relief than grief. If you see divorce coming, you should consider taking a few important actions before filing. Preparation can make the process smoother. It can also protect you from having to make hasty decisions with potentially serious consequences.
Get a Divorce Attorney Involved Early
Speaking to a divorce attorney is a good idea even if you haven’t fully decided on getting a divorce. An experienced family lawyer can help you understand your options.
For instance, they can help you determine which important information to gather to support your preference for custody. A lawyer can also help you plan ahead, so you have time to gather evidence regarding marital and separate property.
An attorney can assist you with navigating some of the tricky elements of divorce. In particular, if you’re concerned about your spouse’s reaction to the situation, you need to properly prepare.
Know Your Financial Position
It’s common for one spouse to handle the lion’s share of financial duties such as securing credit and paying bills. Before filing for divorce, you need a thorough understanding of your financial position. When researching your finances, try to answer the following questions:
- How much credit card debt do you and your spouse have?
- What are your monthly expenses?
- How much do you have in savings?
- How much do you have built up for retirement?
It’s better to understand your financial position now, rather than waiting for your spouse to fill you in after you’ve asked for a divorce.
Prepare for Life After Divorce
Divorce always comes with multiple life changes. You need to know what your life will look like in order to make an effective plan for the future. To help you prepare, think about the following scenarios:
- Will you be taking over the mortgage on the family home?
- Will you be renting an apartment?
- Do you have health insurance through your spouse’s job?
- Do you have a credit card solely in your name?
- Do you have a bank account your spouse can’t access?
A Contested or Uncontested Divorce
The ability to work with your spouse can make the divorce and life after divorce much easier. If you have children with your spouse, there’s an excellent chance you’ll have to co-parent going forward. If you can negotiate any elements of your divorce without the help of attorneys, that can pave the way for a better experience overall.
Thoughtful preparation can help you stay calm when confronting your spouse with your divorce plans. You can have answers ready to make it clear that you’ve thought the matter through. Divorce is rarely easy, but a calm approach can help you get a better outcome.
Call Schneider Law Firm
Divorce is almost always challenging, which is why you need an experienced attorney at your side. Our divorce lawyers can help you plan for your divorce and walk you through each step. Find the support you need by calling the Arlington offices of Schneider Law Firm at 817-799-7125 today.
