If you’re contemplating filing for divorce, you’ve probably already found the process overwhelming and emotionally draining. It’s not as simple as filing a complaint and expecting things to fall into place. Your emotions are impacted because no one is ever fully prepared to walk away from what was meant to be a permanent situation. However, you can do a few things to make the process easier by preparing yourself with the help of a divorce attorney.
Is Divorce Your Best Option?
Divorce is painful for both parties, no matter what the circumstances may be. This is especially true when there are children in the picture. You can be fed up with certain situations and think about separation during those moments of anger. But take some time to consider your options. Try to weigh things when you’re calm and collected. Look at the pros and cons. Never make decisions at the height of your anger and frustration. Once you’ve made the decision to divorce it can be impossible to take it back, so think very carefully if this is what you want to do.
Find the Right Divorce Attorney For You
Good divorce attorneys aren’t cheap, so you need to be prepared for the cost of hiring a legal professional to guide you through the process. However, you can also expect the best quality of service from professionals who know precisely how the whole divorce process works. Also, make sure that your attorney listens thoughtfully to all of the details and concerns regarding your divorce. They need to have a very clear picture of the situation you’re facing.
Discuss Your Custody Situation With Your Attorney
A custody battle is one of the most common events to occur during divorce proceedings. Typically, couples have shared custody of the children unless there are specific circumstances that prevent that from happening. If both you and your partner are in agreement, you can decide how to arrange your schedules to fulfill your duties as parents.
Prepare Your Financial Disclosures
All of the decisions you make during the divorce process will affect you and the lives of your children. Your financial disclosures will be scrutinized by the other side as well as the court. In fact, they’re an integral part of the paperwork you need to prepare and will be used as a tool for settlement purposes, or in litigation if settlement is not possible. Your divorce attorney should spend time to fully understand your financial situation and thoroughly prepare your disclosures. The job of your attorney is to help you through this whole process with the least amount of complications.
Options For Your New Living Arrangement
During the divorce process, you will want to ensure that you and your children are living comfortably. You may want your partner to leave the premises, or you may opt to have them there during the process. This is where the decision of who gets to live in the marital home comes in, during and after the divorce is finalized.
Stay on Top of the Situation with Help From Your Attorney
If you’re filing for divorce, you need to take charge too. You cannot expect everything to happen according to what you want without taking initiative. While you may be emotionally exhausted, this major decision you’ve undertaken will require your active participation in the process.
Once you’ve completed your divorce proceedings, you’re ready to start a new life on your own. It can be a challenging experience to get through, but if you’re determined, you can make it work. For a free initial consultation, contact Whipple, Mercado & Associates, LLP, today — 925-344-5050. We respond promptly to all email messages and phone calls.