(1/15) Divorce can be one of the most emotional and disruptive events in your life, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed. The divorce process involves several legal proceedings, such as negotiation and trials, before being finalized, which can be confusing and stressful. But being organized during such a period is a great way to stay grounded while increasing your chances of a fair outcome. However, it's important you know the things you ought to do to help you get your affairs in order before you file for a divorce.
Consider whether you need to hire a lawyer
Not all states require you to hire a lawyer for a divorce. However, it is in your best interest to hire one before beginning the divorce process or signing off on the MSA. Issues typically arise during divorce, such as alimony, property and debt division, and child support and custody, which, if you hire our Austin divorce attorneys they'll protect your best interests.
Decide what type of divorce you're filing for
Many people don't know this, but there are many ways a divorce can proceed, depending on your circumstances. But the most common types of divorce include:
- Contested divorce
- Uncontested divorce
- Mediated divorce
- Collaborative divorce
- No-fault divorce
- Default Divorce
- Annulment
- Arbitration
- Silent divorce
When filing, the petitioner typically needs to concern themselves with the type of at-fault/no-fault divorce. Regardless of the type of divorce you choose, work with your divorce attorney to determine which is right for you.
Get your finances in order
When you're going through a divorce, ensuring your finances are in order is important because it prepares you for what comes after a separation. So, have a clear picture of your financial standing by creating a list of shared assets, debts, and personal properties. Ensure you have copies of important financial documents like bank statements, recent tax returns, investment accounts, mortgage and car loan statements, etc. Also, determine your cost of living expenses, estimate your expenses, and look for ways to start saving money and freeing up some income.
If you have children, prepare a new parenting arrangement
If you have children, ensure you do not neglect them during divorce proceedings, as they are the ones who are affected the most. Plan how you expect to divide the parenting time with the other parent. Especially if you have minor children, plan a new parenting arrangement, particularly the custody plan. Also, learn about child support and consider whether you need to pay or receive child support after the divorce.
Have a Safety Plan if there is any history or risk of domestic violence
Furthermore, if there's a history or risk of domestic violence, then it's very likely that violence can escalate when you bring up the issue of divorce. So, ensure you have a safety plan in place if the situation becomes too uncomfortable, such as making arrangements to stay with a friend or family till you conclude the divorce process. Note that it's not encouraged to file a protective order against your spouse unless it becomes necessary. Cases that start off with the filling of a protective order often turn out to be the most highly contested cases. Remember, every decision you make during the divorce proceedings will have long-lasting ramifications on your life, so ensure you obtain advice from the best legal representative.
