Any time you have a big decision to make it helps to know what lies ahead. While you can never have a guarantee of things to come, you can do things to educate yourself about the choices you are facing, so you can make a decision based on fact rather than fiction. There are several sources to turn to when you need to learn about a certain topic; from the newspaper, internet articles, friends and families, and professionals in the field. Once you have made a decision to take a certain action, turning to one or more of these sources is helpful and can give you the confidence you need to move forward with your choice. If your dilemma involves the law it can be beneficial to do a little research to gain a basic understanding of the legal issues you might face in your case, but the best resource you can go to is a trained legal professional.
If you have come to the conclusion that your marriage needs to be dissolved, you have likely not come to that decision without a lot of deep contemplation. And while the emotional aspect of getting divorced does not immediately disappear just because you are firm in your decision to end your marriage, it does help to know some of the more practical steps to take if you have decided to file. Once you have decided to get divorced and have worked up the courage to tell your spouse what you want, here are some of the things that you need to do next:
- Document and information gathering: begin to organize the documents you will need to take to your attorney, such as copies of your financial records and car titles. One of the biggest parts of nearly every divorce is the distribution of property. In order to come to a fair and equitable split it is essential to start with a complete picture of the assets. If you have concerns that your spouse is hiding assets, make a list of what you think may exist and estimate the value. Doing this will help your attorney investigate the issues and identify all of the property that is subject to distribution.
- Make lists: take a few days to really think about what you want out of the divorce; as far as property distribution, child custody, support, and any other issues are concerned. Seeing your goals on paper will not only help you to take the steps needed to obtain what you need, but it will give your attorney a good framework within which to work when developing your case strategy.
- Talk it over with the kids: if you have children you will want to break the news that their parents are splitting up gently. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may want to have this conversation one on one, or with your spouse. It is key to reassure your kids that they are not to blame, and that their lives will remain as unchanged as possible. Putting your children at ease will make it easier for you to fight for a custody and visitation plan that meets your need, and to seek the financial support you need to make sure your kids’ needs are met.
- Consider counseling or therapy: just because you have decided to get divorced and have been brave enough to tell your spouse what you want, that does not mean you are not hurting. If the emotions become too much to handle on your own, consider talking things over with a trained counselor or therapist. This can also be helpful for your children if they are having a difficult time adjusting to their new family dynamic.
Our plan is to do all of the heavy lifting during your case, so you can focus on building a life after divorce. We will explain the process to you and make sure your questions are answered to your satisfaction. We take the time to sit down with you and come up with a plan that meets your needs, while aggressively pursuing remedies that are in your best interests. If you have decided to file for divorce and need help figuring out what comes next, give us a call.
For answers to your questions about divorce, consult a qualified legal professional. Call the Deaton Law Firm in Cypress at (916) 608-8891 to schedule your appointment today.