Four Steps to Take if Your Spouse Wants a Divorce In Florida
Hearing that your spouse wants a divorce is an overwhelming and emotional experience. You may not understand why your spouse is feeling this way and you are likely wondering what to do next. Below, one of our Tampa divorce attorneys explains four important steps to take if your spouse wants to end the marriage.
1. Seek Support and Remain Calm
Hearing your spouse wants to end your marriage may take a great emotional toll on you, especially if it is a surprise. It is critical that during this time, you give yourself time to process your emotions and to seek the emotional support you need. Look for support from your family members and friends. If necessary, also consider professional counseling to learn strategies that can help you navigate the challenges that may come.
Legally speaking, it is also important to maintain a calm and composed demeanor. If you react emotionally during the process, it can make it more difficult to negotiate with your spouse and it could also affect the outcome of your divorce proceedings. It is imperative that you do not say things you will regret later, which may impede any ability to resuscitate you marriage, if this is your desire. Your Tampa divorce attorney will also offer compassionate and empathetic support during this difficult time.
2. Get an Understanding of Your Finances
It is always best to be aware of your financial position if something should happen to your spouse. As you approach the divorce process, it is crucial that you have a full understanding of your current financial situation. To obtain this information, you should collect all financial documents including mortgage papers, tax returns, and bank statements. You should also gather any information about the property you own, such as its current value and debt you owe.
Having a full understanding of your finances can help when dividing marital property and can help you set reasonable expectations going forward post-divorce. Consult with your divorce attorney or a financial advisor to evaluate your financial position and make plans for any changes that may lie ahead. Divorce has many financial implications and so, it is important to understand what these are.
3. Protect Your Finances During a Divorce
It is not only important to understand your finances, but to protect your own finances moving forward. Open a separate bank account in your name only, speak with an attorney about whether you should freeze joint credit cards, and block your spouse’s access to certain financial information. These are all proactive measures that can provide the protection you need when going through the divorce process and moving forward after your case is finalized.
4. Consult with an Experienced Divorce Attorney in Tampa
It is critical to consult with an experienced Tampa divorce attorney as soon as possible after your spouse tells you they want a divorce for advice as to how to proceed in detail. At All Family Law Group, P.A., our experienced attorneys can help with the legal details of your divorce, explain your rights, make sure they are upheld, and determine the best strategy to navigate the complex aspects of your divorce. We will advise on the next steps to take and provide the guidance, clarity, and peace of mind you need. Call us today at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help. Se habla Español.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html
