Key Steps To Take If You're Filing For A Divorce

Pic Source

The end of a marriage is never easy, and it’s perfectly natural to feel upset or get emotional. But you have to understand that while it can be painful, it’s also a detriment to your personal finances. You could find yourself involved in a legal battle, fighting over money or assets. If there are children involved, it can be even more complex. That’s why you need to stay calm and think rationally. As soon as you decide you are going to file for a divorce these are the steps that you should take.

Step 1: Check The Prenup

Did you sign a prenup before you were married? If you did it’s important that you check exactly what the terms of the agreement were. A prenup can make sure someone who has married with considerably more wealth than their partner is protected. This can be a nightmare if you were the one that quit your job to stay at home raising the children. Or, if you are found to cause the end of the marriage this to can affect how much you are entitled to. If you didn’t sign a prenup what you get will depend on how amicable the divorce is and your lawyer.

Step 2: Assess Whether The Divorce Will Be Amicable

It’s entirely possible that you have both agreed that a divorce is the best option for both of you. If that’s the case, we suggest you sit down and discuss how to proceed with your partner. You should be thinking of how to tell the children and arranging terms. It’s entirely possible that you can work out everything without ever bringing a lawyer on board. But we have to say this isn’t usually the case. If you don’t think the divorce is going to be amicable, you must contact a lawyer before you approach your partner.

Step 3: Finding The Right Lawyer For You

When you look for a lawyer, it’s important you find one who will look after your best interests. You need to make sure that they understand what you need from the proceeding. Don’t forget that as soon as your partner is aware of the situation the will recruit their own legal counsel. You may want to make sure that you have a lawyer who specialises in cases of alimony and child support. Davis Mockler Law provides expert advice in this area and will make sure your partner provides the necessary support for your family.

Step 4: Alerting Your Partner

Once you have spoken with your lawyer you should tell your partner that you want a divorce. This can be difficult and it’s important that you are honest and open with the reasons. Don’t forget that it’s entirely possible they can use anything you have done to damage your case for a fair separation. It’s also common for partners to try and hide share assets or money once a divorced is decided upon. But a top lawyer will make sure they can’t do this through asset discovery.

Finally, a divorce can take as much as two years to get through. But with the right lawyer by your side you will find that the outcome is just and fair. At the close, you’ll be ready to start a whole new chapter of your life.