Preparing For Divorce – First Steps You Can Take

After deciding to divorce from your spouse, you must begin the divorce process. To some, going through a divorce seems difficult at first, since it is unfamiliar territory and appears to be complex legal process. However, there are certain things you can do to make the process faster, easier, and less stressful for everyone involved, and that you should consider before separating.

Get Your Finances in Order

When you are going to seek a divorce you will need to access all of your financial information including checking and savings bank statements, retirement and pension accounts, money markets, credit card statements, loans, and mortgages. You may also need to get your home appraised so you can make important decisions about whether to keep or sell your house.

Keep Communications Open

It is helpful to keep the lines of communication open between you and your spouse. While there is probably some tension, it is always a good idea to try to remain on good terms whenever possible. This will certainly help keep the process moving along and ensure a smooth resolution to settlement terms. Do not make any agreements until you first speak with your divorce attorney.

Continue Routines

If you have children, you will need to remain focused on maintaining the same routines to keep things easier for them. Children thrive on daily schedules. Try to get their routines back to normal as quickly as possible. Introduce a visitation plan that can be implemented during this interim period. Avoid discussing divorce topics in front of the kids. Instead, set up a time to speak on the phone when the children are not present.

Make Lists

One of the functions you will need to accomplish during the divorce process is to come to an agreement as to the disbursement of assets as well as debts. A good way to begin the process is to make a list of your important assets. Then, you can begin to consider the best way to divvy them up. Keep in mind that in Florida marital property is to be divided equitably between both parties.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

You have a lot to worry about during this difficult time and your emotions may be running high. Try to relax and remember that most of the small details of the divorce are going to work themselves out. You can count on guidance from your attorney who will act on your behalf and will always keep your best interests in mind. This may be your first divorce, but a qualified divorce attorney works to resolve these issues every day for their clients.

Focus on the Children

Parents who are divorcing have a whole host of issues that must be considered. These include where the children will reside, whether you will share parenting responsibilities, and how visitation will work. Florida requires a parenting plan, which details all of the specifics of child rearing for divorced couples. Begin to review these decisions so that you can more easily address them as part of the divorce process.

Seek Legal Help ASAP

Both you and your spouse may need to hire attorneys for your divorce. The best results will come from quickly consulting with an experienced attorney who specializes in divorce. Your lawyer will review your situation and provide you with answers to your questions. The compassionate attorneys at All Family Law Group, P.A. are here to help you through the process. Contact the Tampa divorce and family lawyers at All Family Law Group, P.A. in Tampa Bay at 813-816-2232 for a consultation at no charge or email us.

By Lynette Silon-Laguna Google+