Divorce is rarely easy, but preparing for divorce can make the process easier. \u00a0Steps can be taken prior to your divorce proceedings to help make the process as smooth as possible.\u00a0 You will not be able to predict every possible twist in your divorce, but there are some things that can be done in every situation in advance of your divorce.<\/p>\n
Understand what you can reasonably expect your divorce.\u00a0 You are not an attorney, but it can be helpful to do some basic research on divorce in your state.\u00a0 For example, if you have children, custody and child support issues will be significant in your case.\u00a0 If you have one or more high-value assets, know what is likely to happen to that asset, along with any other assets, in the property division in your divorce. \u00a0Meet with an experienced family law attorney as early in the process as feasible to get an idea of what is reasonable to expect.<\/p>\n
A divorce can be very expensive.\u00a0 This includes attorney\u2019s fees, and the costs of establishing a separate residence, which in Maryland, is frequently a requirement before a divorce can be finalized.\u00a0 In preparing for divorce, it may be advisable to open a separate bank account.\u00a0 This is\u00a0not intended\u00a0to hide assets.\u00a0 Instead, it will give you access to necessary funds.\u00a0 Consider dividing joint accounts with your spouse.\u00a0 Also, consider canceling joint credit accounts or removing one party\u2019s name from the account.<\/p>\n
A word of caution: there is a difference between preparing for divorce, and preparing for divorce without telling your spouse of your intentions. \u00a0Some of these actions will make it difficult to prepare for a divorce without informing your spouse.\u00a0 For example, you do not want your spouse to attempt to rent a car, only to discover that you have canceled the card.\u00a0 This is only the beginning of a long process.\u00a0 You do not want to antagonize your spouse unnecessarily.<\/p>\n
Divorce can be a very emotional process and the time leading up to a divorce can be as well.\u00a0 Do not behave in a way that reflects badly on you.\u00a0 This is especially important in cases involving child custody disputes.\u00a0 A judge will be looking at your behavior when deciding custody and parenting time.\u00a0 Social media and digital behavior will also likely be monitored by your spouse\u2019s attorney.\u00a0 If you behave appropriately in all aspects of your life, it will make the process go smoother.\u00a0 It will also help you achieve the results you are entitled to.<\/p>\n
Divorce impacts your children, not just you and your spouse.\u00a0 Discuss the process openly with them.\u00a0 Do not give them the details of your divorce.\u00a0 Do not disparage your spouse or discuss marital problems with your children.\u00a0 Make sure that they know the divorce is not their fault.\u00a0 Also, let them know that both parents love them and will always be available to them.<\/p>\n
Take actions to prepare for a custody dispute.\u00a0 Begin a diary regarding your children.\u00a0 Document any medical and dental appointments and who attends.\u00a0 Document any interactions you have with your children\u2019s teachers and other school staff.\u00a0 Write down who attends extracurricular activities.\u00a0 This diary is important to show how involved you are in your children\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n
In preparing for divorce, begin to keep track of your family\u2019s finances.\u00a0 This should include your income and your spouse\u2019s income.\u00a0 Also, document expenses, debts, and assets.\u00a0 Collect copies of all financial documentation possible.\u00a0 Include bank statements, credit card statements, income tax documents, pay stubs, property tax statements, and important receipts. \u00a0Don\u2019t forget about investments and retirement accounts.<\/p>\n
Depending on the circumstances, it may be wise to keep copies of important documents outside of the home.\u00a0 Options include safety deposit boxes or with family and friends.\u00a0 It is important that you secure copies of these documents so you can provide them to your attorney in the future.<\/p>\n
Do not shut yourself off from the world.\u00a0 It is important to continue socializing with friends and family.\u00a0 Inevitably, you will lose some of your social network when you go through a divorce.\u00a0 However, reach out to your friends and socialize before, during, and after your divorce.\u00a0 You do not need to discuss the details of your divorce with everyone, but it can be helpful and healthy to discuss your situation with family members or friends you know you can trust.\u00a0 This can include issues in your marriage and your potential divorce.<\/p>\n
Every person that goes through a divorce has a different experience.\u00a0 Every process involves unique circumstances and unique individuals.\u00a0 The parties are different, the attorneys are different, the judges are different and the circumstances are different.\u00a0 As previously discussed, it can be helpful to talk about your divorce with family or friends.\u00a0 Do not take their advice too seriously even though they may have gone through a divorce themselves.\u00a0 Instead, rely on the advice of your attorney.\u00a0 Your friends are not neutral observers with legal training.<\/p>\n
Consulting with an attorney when you are preparing for divorce can be the best thing you can do.\u00a0 Many of your issues and concerns can be quickly resolved by meeting with an experienced, qualified family law attorney.\u00a0 Collect all documents your attorney needs as soon as possible.\u00a0 Your potential attorney should be able to provide you with a list of all documentation he or she will need to represent you.<\/p>\n
Taking these steps prior to beginning a divorce proceeding can help make things go as smoothly as possible.\u00a0 They can also save you money in attorney\u2019s fees.\u00a0 Every document you can collect ahead of time is one less document your attorney will have to obtain from your spouse\u2019s attorney in the future.<\/p>\n
The divorce lawyers at\u00a0Fait & DiLima<\/a>\u00a0focus solely on divorce and family law. \u00a0Contact our office\u00a0<\/a>to make an appointment to speak with one of our family law attorneys today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Divorce is rarely easy, but preparing for divorce can make the process easier. \u00a0Steps can be taken prior to your divorce proceedings to help make the process as smooth as possible.\u00a0 You will not be able to predict every possible twist in your divorce, but there are some things that can be done in every […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":5006,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[36],"class_list":["post-2222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-divorce"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n