photo

It may sound malicious to prepare in advance for a divorce. However, it can be very beneficial for a spouse in the long run if they are anticipating the end of their relationship. Doing so allows them to have a more stable transition through the divorce proceedings and into their new life. Here are ten important tips to prepare for a divorce:

Control Your Emotions

Divorce proceedings can become hostile when spouses act on emotional impulse. By handling your negative emotions before the process begins, spouses are able to avoid drama and handle the situation with a clear mind. This can be done with the help of a therapist, divorce coach, or support group.

Get Organized

It is always important to be organized during a divorce. The process requires several different documents including bank statements, credit card statements, income tax returns, paycheck stubs, and more. If these are put together beforehand, the spouse can have a smooth beginning to the proceedings instead of scrambling to produce the necessary documents.

Learn the Process

Divorces are often a complex process. This is why it can be beneficial for a spouse to educate themselves on what to expect throughout the proceedings and how to handle it before they are in the situation. This can be accomplished by learning about the process, diving properties, child custody and support, spousal support, real estate, parenting, conflict resolution, and more. 

Understand Your Finances

When spouses go through a divorce, they have to divide their assets. Having an understanding of your financial situation before the division begins allows you to know what is yours and what you will owe your spouse. This is important to know what you will have to sustain a living without another income after the divorce. 

Make a Financial Plan

When you know your financial state, you are able to make a plan. This involves mapping out the money you need for your own cost of living. With a plan, you can see if and where you may need to make some changes in your life before finding yourself in a poor financial situation. 

Know Your Options

Spouses are able to avoid litigation if they do not want to divorce in a courtroom. Divorce can be achieved through mediation, arbitration, or a collaborative divorce. Often times, alternative methods can help spouses save time and money.

Put a Team Together

It is important to have a team on your side during a divorce so that you are not alone. With the help of others, the process may not seem as much of a burden. Your team can be made up of attorneys, a divorce coach, psychologists, family, friends, and more.

Set Goals

It is important for a spouse to know what they want out of a divorce. By going into the process with a goal in mind, you are able to work towards something to achieve it. In setting a goal, it is important that it is realistic. 

Minimize Damage to Children

When spouses have children, divorce changes their lives as well. It is important to go into the process knowing how to prepare them for this change. This includes how you break the news to them and what their life will be like once the divorce is over. 

Make Peace With The Situation

While no one usually expects to divorce when they get married, it can happen to anyone. It is important to process your emotions positively in a way that allows you to understand and get past it. This ensures the process is not more difficult than it needs to be.

Contact our Firm

If you require strong legal representation for matters of divorce and family law in New Jersey, contact The Law Offices of Paone, Zaleski & Murphy to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today