Eight Essential Proactive Measures to Take Before Filing for
Transcript Of Eight Essential Proactive Measures to Take Before Filing for
Eight Essential Proactive Measures to Take Before Filing for Divorce
“Divorce” is never an easy word to hear – or an easy idea to contemplate.
Deciding to divorce your spouse is a huge step that will impact every aspect of your life, and it is certainly not something you want to rush into without properly preparing yourself. If you are thinking about filing for divorce, you’ll want to take some time to complete some important tasks before you move forward. The suggestions below will aid you in preparing for your next chapter.
Seek Marriage Counseling
You might be surprised to hear this from a divorce attorney, but it is true. Divorce should always be the last option, so try to give your marriage every possible chance to succeed. If you haven’t already, consider seeing a marriage counselor to see if the problems in your relationship can be fixed. Many people are surprised to find that with a little help, they can get their marriage back on track.
Even if your spouse refuses to go to counseling, make an appointment for yourself. Talking with a professional is a great way to start working through some of the emotions that are associated with getting a divorce.
Keep in mind that divorce should never be feared or avoided if it is truly the best thing for your health and happiness, as well as the health and happiness of your children.
Make a List of Everything You Own
During the divorce process everything you and your spouse own will have to be divided between the two of you. Having a full inventory of all your assets is an important place to start. Include all real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, and anything else of real value. When you are writing out this list, think about which items you really want to keep, and which ones you are comfortable with your spouse having. Remember, neither of you can keep everything, and there are no guarantees, so try to be realistic. Your attorney will use this list as they negotiate your final divorce agreement.
Make a List of Everything You Owe
The debts incurred during the marriage will also be divided between you and your spouse. Having a strong understanding of what you owe will give you a good picture of what you need to plan for once the divorce is finalized. As with the assets you made a list of, there are no guarantees as to how your marital debt will be divided. Your attorney will use this list, as well as other financial information noted below, as they negotiate your final divorce agreement.
Start Tracking Schedules and Household Expenses
Among other documents that will be reviewed and exchanged by both parties during your divorce is a list of each of your weekly expenses. Your attorney will give you a comprehensive
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860-677-5885
form to complete, which will be easier if you have already started tracking what you spend each week and month on food, transportation, mortgage or rent, insurance, etc.
Keeping track of your schedule, and the schedules of your children, will be helpful as you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys begin developing a parenting plan. As parents, you may have conflicting ideas about custody, while the court’s goal is to minimize any impact on the children. Documenting how much time you spend with your children, what activities you engage in with them, and other related details can help make a stronger case for the custody and parenting schedule that you desire.
In addition to its value while negotiating custody, a documented schedule will help you and your family prepare for life once you and your spouse are living separately. This is a major change in your family’s life, so the more you can prepare for it, the better off you and your children will be.
Build a Support System
Going through a divorce can be difficult, and not something you’ll want to do on your own. In addition to speaking with a therapist as we have noted above, building a support system of family and friends you can rely on when needed will be very helpful. Make a list of people who you can talk to about issues you are having, who will listen without judging, who can watch your children when you have meetings with your attorney or court hearings, and anyone else you think may be able to help you through this experience.
Document Severe Issues (if applicable)
If there are any type of serious issues that are prompting your divorce, make sure you log them. The most obvious example of this would be physical abuse. If your spouse is hurting you or your children, it is essential that you remove yourself from the situation right away. Notify the police and get the help you need. Once safe, document as many details about the experience as possible. Any type of abuse or other harmful behavior should be documented as it could become important to your case.
Set Some Goals
While divorce can certainly be stressful, painful, and difficult, it is also the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Now is the time to think about your goals, not only for your actual divorce but for your life afterwards. Think in terms of the first three to six months, and then one, three, and five years. Do you want to live somewhere else, go back to school, change careers? Is there a hobby you always wanted to pursue? Getting divorced is a major life transition and for many people is also a catalyst for making other life changes. Thinking about the future like this can be helpful for getting through the hard times. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Speak with an Attorney
Many people make the mistake of waiting to contact an attorney until they are imminently ready to file for divorce. The best time to speak to a divorce lawyer is actually much earlier on in the process. As soon are you are reasonably sure that you want to end your marriage, or if you suspect your spouse may be taking steps to end your marriage, schedule a consultation with a reputable attorney who focuses their practice on divorce and family law. The attorney will review your specific situation with you and provide guidance on preparing for your divorce, and educate you the difference between litigated, mediated, and collaborative divorce processes.
Having a consultation with an attorney doesn’t mean you have to file for divorce or take any
KleinBabbitt.com
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860-677-5885
action right away. In fact, gaining a better understanding of what your rights and responsibilities are, getting answers to your questions about finances and custody, and knowing more about what divorce entails can go a long way to relieving some of the stress that surrounds your decision to end your marriage.
Another advantage of speaking with a lawyer earlier in the process is it will enable you to find one that you feel comfortable with. You will be speaking and interacting with your attorney quite a bit and it is best that you both be a good fit for each other. The advance notice will also give you some time to start putting together a financial retainer and save for other potential expenses that will come up along the way.
Whichever path life takes you on, let us lead the way.
Whether you’re the one filing for divorce or the one who had to hear your spouse utter the word first, divorce is a life-changing experience. You deserve compassionate, caring, professional support to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that come with it.
No matter the unique circumstances of your situation, the attorneys and staff at Klein & Babbitt can guide you through the divorce process. Contact us today to begin taking the proactive measures necessary to ensure an efficient and effective dissolution and a positive outcome.
There is no fee or obligation for your initial consultation. We would be honored to counsel you through this challenging time of your life and look forward to speaking with you.
36-B West Main Street
25 Center Street
Avon
Winsted
860-677-5885
KleinBabbitt.com
Disclaimer: The information you obtain from our website and publications is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
KleinBabbitt.com
3
860-677-5885
“Divorce” is never an easy word to hear – or an easy idea to contemplate.
Deciding to divorce your spouse is a huge step that will impact every aspect of your life, and it is certainly not something you want to rush into without properly preparing yourself. If you are thinking about filing for divorce, you’ll want to take some time to complete some important tasks before you move forward. The suggestions below will aid you in preparing for your next chapter.
Seek Marriage Counseling
You might be surprised to hear this from a divorce attorney, but it is true. Divorce should always be the last option, so try to give your marriage every possible chance to succeed. If you haven’t already, consider seeing a marriage counselor to see if the problems in your relationship can be fixed. Many people are surprised to find that with a little help, they can get their marriage back on track.
Even if your spouse refuses to go to counseling, make an appointment for yourself. Talking with a professional is a great way to start working through some of the emotions that are associated with getting a divorce.
Keep in mind that divorce should never be feared or avoided if it is truly the best thing for your health and happiness, as well as the health and happiness of your children.
Make a List of Everything You Own
During the divorce process everything you and your spouse own will have to be divided between the two of you. Having a full inventory of all your assets is an important place to start. Include all real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, and anything else of real value. When you are writing out this list, think about which items you really want to keep, and which ones you are comfortable with your spouse having. Remember, neither of you can keep everything, and there are no guarantees, so try to be realistic. Your attorney will use this list as they negotiate your final divorce agreement.
Make a List of Everything You Owe
The debts incurred during the marriage will also be divided between you and your spouse. Having a strong understanding of what you owe will give you a good picture of what you need to plan for once the divorce is finalized. As with the assets you made a list of, there are no guarantees as to how your marital debt will be divided. Your attorney will use this list, as well as other financial information noted below, as they negotiate your final divorce agreement.
Start Tracking Schedules and Household Expenses
Among other documents that will be reviewed and exchanged by both parties during your divorce is a list of each of your weekly expenses. Your attorney will give you a comprehensive
KleinBabbitt.com
1
860-677-5885
form to complete, which will be easier if you have already started tracking what you spend each week and month on food, transportation, mortgage or rent, insurance, etc.
Keeping track of your schedule, and the schedules of your children, will be helpful as you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys begin developing a parenting plan. As parents, you may have conflicting ideas about custody, while the court’s goal is to minimize any impact on the children. Documenting how much time you spend with your children, what activities you engage in with them, and other related details can help make a stronger case for the custody and parenting schedule that you desire.
In addition to its value while negotiating custody, a documented schedule will help you and your family prepare for life once you and your spouse are living separately. This is a major change in your family’s life, so the more you can prepare for it, the better off you and your children will be.
Build a Support System
Going through a divorce can be difficult, and not something you’ll want to do on your own. In addition to speaking with a therapist as we have noted above, building a support system of family and friends you can rely on when needed will be very helpful. Make a list of people who you can talk to about issues you are having, who will listen without judging, who can watch your children when you have meetings with your attorney or court hearings, and anyone else you think may be able to help you through this experience.
Document Severe Issues (if applicable)
If there are any type of serious issues that are prompting your divorce, make sure you log them. The most obvious example of this would be physical abuse. If your spouse is hurting you or your children, it is essential that you remove yourself from the situation right away. Notify the police and get the help you need. Once safe, document as many details about the experience as possible. Any type of abuse or other harmful behavior should be documented as it could become important to your case.
Set Some Goals
While divorce can certainly be stressful, painful, and difficult, it is also the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Now is the time to think about your goals, not only for your actual divorce but for your life afterwards. Think in terms of the first three to six months, and then one, three, and five years. Do you want to live somewhere else, go back to school, change careers? Is there a hobby you always wanted to pursue? Getting divorced is a major life transition and for many people is also a catalyst for making other life changes. Thinking about the future like this can be helpful for getting through the hard times. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Speak with an Attorney
Many people make the mistake of waiting to contact an attorney until they are imminently ready to file for divorce. The best time to speak to a divorce lawyer is actually much earlier on in the process. As soon are you are reasonably sure that you want to end your marriage, or if you suspect your spouse may be taking steps to end your marriage, schedule a consultation with a reputable attorney who focuses their practice on divorce and family law. The attorney will review your specific situation with you and provide guidance on preparing for your divorce, and educate you the difference between litigated, mediated, and collaborative divorce processes.
Having a consultation with an attorney doesn’t mean you have to file for divorce or take any
KleinBabbitt.com
2
860-677-5885
action right away. In fact, gaining a better understanding of what your rights and responsibilities are, getting answers to your questions about finances and custody, and knowing more about what divorce entails can go a long way to relieving some of the stress that surrounds your decision to end your marriage.
Another advantage of speaking with a lawyer earlier in the process is it will enable you to find one that you feel comfortable with. You will be speaking and interacting with your attorney quite a bit and it is best that you both be a good fit for each other. The advance notice will also give you some time to start putting together a financial retainer and save for other potential expenses that will come up along the way.
Whichever path life takes you on, let us lead the way.
Whether you’re the one filing for divorce or the one who had to hear your spouse utter the word first, divorce is a life-changing experience. You deserve compassionate, caring, professional support to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that come with it.
No matter the unique circumstances of your situation, the attorneys and staff at Klein & Babbitt can guide you through the divorce process. Contact us today to begin taking the proactive measures necessary to ensure an efficient and effective dissolution and a positive outcome.
There is no fee or obligation for your initial consultation. We would be honored to counsel you through this challenging time of your life and look forward to speaking with you.
36-B West Main Street
25 Center Street
Avon
Winsted
860-677-5885
KleinBabbitt.com
Disclaimer: The information you obtain from our website and publications is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
KleinBabbitt.com
3
860-677-5885