There are few things more challenging than keeping a marriage strong. As time goes by, many married people start to grow apart. If constant fighting and bickering have become routine in your marriage, it may be time to consider the longevity of your relationship. While a divorce is not something most married couples want to do, it is often the best way out of a marriage that has broken down.
If you feel that a divorce is imminent, you need to avoid getting caught off guard. The following are some things you can do to prepare for a divorce.
Story Stages
Seek Legal Advice
Before you make any moves towards accomplishing your goal of getting a divorce, you need to find out about the legal side of this process. The best way to do this is by working with a divorce attorney in Washington, DC. Going in and meeting with a lawyer will help you understand your rights and how to prepare for the court battle to come. If you feel like your former spouse will contest everything from the division of property to child custody, you need a lawyer on your side to avoid getting taken advantage of.
Choosing a lawyer will be much easier if you take advantage of free consultations. Before heading into these meetings, prepare a list of questions you have. Staying organized will allow you to cover all of your bases before selecting the right divorce attorney to hire.
Start Closing Joint Bank Accounts
Approximately 750,000 divorces took place in the United States in 2020. While some of these divorces are amicable and easy, there are many divorces that get nasty. If you are getting out of a relationship with a person you view as toxic, chances are they will try to make your divorce difficult. One of the main things you need to take off the table when dealing with an angry spouse is separating your joint bank accounts.
In some cases, these joint accounts can be used as leverage during a divorce. Instead of waking up to find out that your joint accounts have been cleaned out by your spouse, begin the process of closing these accounts with your spouse. Banks generally require both people listed on the account to sign off on closing, so this step is best taken before divorce proceedings get nasty.
Be sure to consult with your lawyer to ensure you are within your rights. With their guidance, you can close these accounts without the fear of giving your ex ammunition to use in court.
Collect and Organize Financial Documents
The division of property and assets is one of the most contested parts of a divorce. If your spouse feels like they are entitled to things they have not paid for, you need documentation to keep them away from your assets. Start collecting and organizing documents like bank statements, credit card bills and your paycheck stubs early, so you have a full and clear picture of your financial situation to present in court.
By compiling these documents and giving them to your lawyer, you can start the process of building a case. If it is clear you make the bulk of the money that paid for the assets you share with your spouse, then you may be able to walk away with them. The only way to figure out what you are entitled to in regards to your shared assets is by working with an experienced divorce lawyer.
Keep Your Kids Protected From Divorce Drama
If you and your spouse have children together, your divorce may become far more complicated. During the divorce process, you will have a plethora of emotions to deal with. The main thing you need to worry about when dealing with the anger and anguish that comes with dissolving a marriage is keeping your children protected.
The last thing you want is to traumatize your children by fighting with your spouse in front of them. This is why you need to speak with your spouse about how to keep the children protected during this difficult process.
It’s Time To Prepare
Getting all of your information organized early can help to minimize the stress involved in getting a divorce. The key component of a successful divorce is working with a lawyer who has experience to settle on the best outcome for everyone involved.
