The Ultimate Divorce Checklist —Preparing For Divorce

Divorce can be a lengthy process and a complicated one, too. Some divorce cases can go on for more than a year, and more when you do not prepare for it beforehand. Yes, a divorce requires months of preparation and discussing the terms with your spouse as well as an attorney. You cannot simply wake up one day and decide to leave your spouse. 

As you might already know, a divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging. You can make things easy for yourself when you have prepared for the transition and organized things. To make the transition as smooth as possible, here is a checklist recommended by divorce and family law attorney Newburyport. 

Preparing for divorce– checklist

1. Discuss the divorce. 

If you have not discussed divorce with your spouse, decide how, where, and when to bring up the topic. Pick a date that does not coincide with a major or important event like a child’s birthday or your marriage anniversary. Choose a neutral place away from home and allot a particular time for the discussion. Keeping the discussion away from your home will help you counter distractions or domestic triggers. 

2. Re-evaluate your financial situation. 

Divorce can bring major changes in your life and change it drastically. You will no longer be able to continue the same life following the divorce as two incomes will no longer be in a single household. It is better to start such life changes as early as possible. Make sure you are not trying to get hold of a property that you no longer will be able to afford. Keeping expensive items with big monthly installments can be a bad decision. 

3. Make plans for the children. 

You should consider the future of your children, where they will live, what impact your divorce can bring on their academics, etc. If you are a parent, visit a local family attorney to talk about the significant decisions involving your child's legal and physical custody. You will need to see with whom the kid will be more likely to go on vacations or holidays and how you will face your family and friends after the divorce. 

4. Hire an attorney. 

While hiring a legal attorney is not mandatory, it makes sense for the spouses to consult with separate lawyers before beginning the divorce procedure. Getting the help of an attorney will increase your costs. However, you will be saved from much stress, and your rights will be protected. You can not rely on your spouse’s attorney and must hire a separate lawyer to avoid conflict of interest.