Your marriage is over, and family therapy couldn’t help anymore? Then the chances are you’re on the verge of a divorce. And it is indeed the best option when things don’t seem to be working out. However, going through a divorce can be emotionally difficult and legally complicated. You have to take care of certain things to make sure you get your rights and smoothly go through the process.
In this article, we’ve listed a few things to remember before filing your divorce. Read on to make your divorce process easier.
8 things to know when getting divorced
1. Your divorce lawyer will not handle everything for you
Unless you have more money than Jeff Bezos, no divorce lawyer will do anything for you in your divorce. No lawyer is going to gather all of your financial documents at home for you or separate your personal property for you. No legal help can find you a new place to live or talk to your spouse about visitation arrangements for your children just because you don’t do it yourself. It means that you have to take care of all these important details yourself. Make sure to have all your financial documents ready and prepare ahead on where to live after divorce.
2. The advantages of divorce by mutual agreement or “express”
At times, opting for an uncontested divorce might be the best option due to many advantages it offers. An uncontested divorce offers you the speed of resolution, reduced costs, and reduced stress associated with separation. So, this might be the best option to consider when:
- You want quick results: If you want to divorce as quickly as possible, it is best to reach a mutual agreement with your ex-spouse.
- There are no disputes: If a couple has a divorce agreement based on collaboration, then conflicts are reduced, and the processes flow without arguments.
- You want to save money: When there is no contentious divorce, the couple can save a good amount of money since they do not need to hire additional legal assistance.
3. How long does an uncontested divorce take
It depends on many factors. You must first consider that divorce laws vary by state, and this will determine the procedure. It also influences whether the couple initiates a “fault” or “no-fault” divorce. However, on average a divorce by mutual agreement can be resolved between 60 and 180 days.
4. How child custody and visits are decided
Custody, in the legal context of a divorce, refers to the right that parents have to spend time with their children. It also determines how decisions will be made about the upbringing and education of the children once the divorce is finalized. Some couples reach a custody agreement on their own, and in some cases, the family courts honor it.
One of the typical aspects that initiate conflicts during a divorce is the process of deciding custody of minor children as the court decides it. However, for older children, their opinions matter. According to Laura Gillis, a renowned Phoenix divorce lawyer, the opinion of older children may be given more weight by the court. Especially if it is determined that they are capable of understanding their opinion and expressing it in a reasoned manner.
5. Paying Alimony
Spousal support may be imposed by the court as part of the divorce decree. This type of financial support is usually ordered when one spouse earns a much higher income than the other. Spousal support is awarded for a limited period or indefinitely.
6. Talk honestly about the reasons for your decision
Starting the conversation with “I want to get a divorce” may not be the most productive. Try to make the other party understand the problems in your marriage and the causes of your discontent (probably you have already talked about this before). Speak honestly, but try not to point fingers or look for blame. Focus on how you feel.
7. Determine your priorities
It is important that you are clear with your priorities. Surely, you cannot keep everything, so it is as beneficial to fight for what you want to keep as it is to give up what you can really do without. Choose your battles well, and make your spouse understand the reason for your decisions.
8. Be careful with the social networks
As always happens with technology, it can benefit or harm us depending on the use you give it. Social media can be dangerous when considering a divorce.
Never use them to insult or discredit your spouse and try not to obsess over checking them all the time. During the divorce, you must have a cool mind, and social networks are a difficult place in times when we are in heat.
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