Have You Run Out Of Options? 3 Things You'll Need To Do Now That You've Decided To Divorce
Posted on: 28 March 2018
If you and your spouse have been plagued with marital problems and you see no end in sight, it's time to think about divorce. While divorce is never easy, it's often the best choice, especially when marital problems are too significant to overcome. Before you file for divorce, you need to make sure you're prepared. Here are three things you'll need to do now that divorce is your only option.
Know What You're Doing
When it comes to filing for divorce, the last thing you want to do is proceed before thinking. Divorce is a big step, which means you'll need to know what you're doing. Before you file for divorce, take the time to ask yourself some important questions.
Where Will You Live?
If you're going to be filing for divorce, your housing arrangements are going to change. Before you file the paperwork, you need to know where you'll be living. Will you ask for the marital home? Will you rent an apartment? If you choose to stay in the marital home, can you afford the upkeep? These questions will need to be asked as you plan for your housing needs.
Do You Have an Income?
Once you file for divorce, your income will also change, especially if you've been a stay-at-home partner in the marriage. If you don't have an income, do you have marketable skills? If you do work, is your income sufficient to support yourself? While you're preparing for divorce, be sure to plan for your income.
Have You Gathered Everything You'll Need
If you're going to file for divorce, you'll need to make sure you have everything you need. Once you and your spouse separate, you may not have access to key information, such as account numbers or even your bank account. Before you announce your decision to divorce, ask yourself if you've gathered everything you need. Do you have your bank account information? Do you have copies of your tax returns? Do you know how to protect your marital assets? Make sure you know the answers to these questions before you file for divorce.
Have a Plan of Action
Now that you've decided to file for divorce, you'll need to have a plan of action. This plan of action should include things like how you'll tell your spouse, and where you'll go once you've told them. If you're nervous about talking to your spouse or worried that you'll forget what you wanted to say, take the time to write out a script. Be sure to stick to the script so that you don't get distracted or confused while you're trying to explain your feelings. Once you've said what you need to say, make sure you have somewhere to go. You'll want to make sure that you and your spouse have time to think about the future plans.
Sit Down with a Divorce Attorney
If you've decided that divorce is your only option, and you've told your spouse that you want out of the marriage, it's time to sit down with a divorce lawyer. You're going to need legal representation to make sure that your needs and your rights are protected throughout the process.
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