Going through a legal separation or a divorce is no easy task. Besides the emotional process of breaking up from your spouse, legally ending a marriage entails lots of paperwork, debt settlement, asset division, and navigating a new future. Although this process is time-consuming, knowing what to do to prepare for divorce can make things seem a little less overwhelming. As a family law practice in Altamonte Springs, we have outlined practical steps you need to take when preparing for divorce.
Engage the services of a family lawyer who can assist you with mediation, arbitration, negotiations, or a trial. Ensure that the lawyer is knowledgeable about family law practices, the emotional process, problem-solving, child development, and the psychology of reconciliation. Confirm that they are aware of the process being employed.
Gather statements that show the values of debts and assets and their estimated market value. Accumulate all title documents, deeds, retirement, insurance policies, profit sharing, deferred compensation, stocks, and bonds. Obtain copies of your state and federal tax returns for the last three years. Likewise, make a list of valuable personal assets and determine what property each of you brought to the marriage and what possessions you received after the marriage. Ascertain any secured debts, such as mortgages and car loans.
When deciding on the options of how to settle your divorce, get the appropriate guidance on best family law practices. They will be able to advise you on the different ways that you can settle your divorce, like arbitration, mediation, or going to trial. Find and hire a family law attorney who specializes, has received training, and has accumulated experience in the method you prefer.
Many boundaries were broken when in love; as business partners, you must rebuild them. There will be a need to oversee your own financial and business affairs, living space, privacy, and have confidence that your belongings are secure. You must be free of the consequences of your spouse's financial and business dealings. You need to know where your children are, how they are being cared for, communication methods with them, and how decisions about their support are made. These boundaries protect you. That sense of safety will drastically reduce the need to fight, blame, and avoid being accused.
Take time to acknowledge that both of you are good people who find it impossible to proceed with your relationship as lovers. Acknowledge that going forward, like everyone else in the society, you and your spouse will have a boundary separating you from sexual intimacy and protecting your privacy, private property, and space. Family law practitioners can assist in the transition guidance.
Divorce can put an individual under a magnifying lens. During the process, avoid behaving in a way that will make your divorce more financially challenging. These may include refraining from partying, dating, or engaging in any other activity that a judge might consider questionable. Additionally, spend a lot of time with family, friends, and your children. Attend to your spiritual life and take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Most importantly, be above reproach in everything you do.
These are some the steps you need to take to prepare for divorce. When you are going through a divorce, contact our family law practice in Altamonte Springs to hear how we can help you today.