Marriage is wonderful and can be rewarding, unfortunately not all of us are destined for a happily ever after and that is why some might end up filing for a divorce.
As much as every relationship needs work, not all are worth the effort and divorce can help ease your mind and bring back your inner peace.
However, the divorce process can at times be tedious and overwhelming if you do not prepare well for it, both emotionally and financially.
Even though, you can rely on your divorce lawyer to help you out, you still need to prepare for it. Because at the need of the day the divorce lawyer will be nowhere in sight, you will be left to pick the pieces of your life all by yourself.
On that note, here are some things you must do first before filing for divorce.
1. Take Some Time Apart
Taking time apart from your partner can help you clear you mind and make a stand when it comes to divorce. This time apart will help you sort your issues be it emotional, financial status among other things. It can help you know where the problem lies and if it can be fixed easily or not.
You will also get to know what you both want, from each other and even for yourself. This way you do not end up filing for a divorce then regretting later after you have separated.
2. Seek Counseling
Even though you are sure of a divorce, try some marriage counseling first before filing the divorce papers. As it might turn out, a reputable marriage counselor can save your marriage.
They can help you talk to each other on issues affecting your lives, present and past. This way you get to find out what went wrong in your marriage and if it can be saved. Talking to someone who understands people and how they relate can help you make your decision.
A few weeks or months of marriage counseling can help you save yourselves from the trauma of a divorce. It is never pretty, no matter the situation.
3. Document Your Possessions/Assets
Documenting your possessions is very important, as it can avoid any dispute later on when you finally decide to file for a divorce. Likewise, you can never prepare for the reaction of your spouse when you finally break the news to them.
Even though your assets will be split equitably or equally, you can still keep most of your possessions by showing proof of inheritance. On the same note, you can make copies of all legal documents like pension plans, tax returns, investments and savings.
Therefore, keep account of all your possessions from jewelries, furniture, tools and even collectibles. You can make a video of them, describing each item as you go. This way you avoid a clash on items to divide-up.
4. Save and Set Aside Some Money
Divorce does not come cheap, so try to make some savings before filing for it. Set some money aside for emergency cases or for when you decide to move out in a hurry. You should set yourself properly in terms of finances from being able to feed yourself while paying your utility bills.
In relation, before you file for divorce tone down on your spending, in terms of making huge purchases or going on vacations. This is because after you file for a divorce your financial decisions will be scrutinized going back to at least a year.
Therefore, you need to plan the whole thing. You cannot just file a divorce abruptly. Look at your life first then start the plan. This way you get the most out of it.
5. Have a Safety Plan
You should always have a safety plan, as most spouses never react well to the news of divorce. Some might turn out to be violent and controlling, making it hard to finalize the whole thing.
If you are in an abusive relationship, you can make use of some of the resources available to help you get out of the relationship first, before filing for a divorce.
6. Decide If You Are Going To Stay In the House
If you know you want to stay in the house, do not move out before filing the divorce papers or during the divorce process. It is always one of the biggest fights when it comes to divorce.
However, if for some reason you will want to move out make a plan and do not do things in abrupt. Otherwise, you will suffer a lot, both financially and emotionally.
7. Talk to a Lawyer
Getting some legal advice will do you better. You do not have to hire a divorce lawyer but talking to one can help you get an idea of what you are in for and how much it will cost you.
A divorce lawyer can help you prepare for the divorce, by telling you what you should be doing before filing for the divorce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, divorce is a long process, which you are to plan with care. You cannot just wake up and file for one. However, before you file for one, consider some of these things among others, so that you try to save your marriage or profit from it.
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