If you have made the difficult decision that you need a divorce, you may think that the next step is simply diving in, but there are some tips that can help you move forward into the divorce process with greater purpose and confidence.
One: Discuss the Matter with Your Divorcing Spouse
If you are seeking a divorce, your marriage has obviously broken down to the point of being unsalvageable, but this does not mean a bit of soul searching will not do you any good moving forward. Discuss how your divorce is going to work with your spouse, and if communications have broken down to the point that this is not possible, a counselor may be able to help you better address the issues at hand. If your spouse is unable to rise to the occasion for this one, it is not something you can control, so you should not beat yourself up over it. (Worried about your spouse's mental health during this difficult time? Click here to learn more about how to handle it)
Two: Identify Your Divorce Goals
Divorce, in and of itself, was obviously never a goal, but now that you are facing a divorce, it is important to pay attention to which issue or issues are most important to you. The basic matters that apply to every divorce include:
- The division of your marital property
- Your child custody arrangements (Can't agree on child custody arrangements? Read more: When You Cannot Agree on Child Custody Arrangements)
- Child support
- Alimony
Once you identify your goals, it makes for more straightforward strategizing.
Three: Inventory Your Marital Assets
One of the major components of your divorce will be the division of your marital property, and in order to help ensure an equitable – or fair – division, you are going to need to know what your marital assets are. Beginning to inventory these assets now can help you save time and ward off unnecessary stress as the divorce process heats up.
Four: Consult with an Experienced Divorce Attorney
Once you have had a moment to reflect on your decision to divorce, it is a good idea to consult with a dedicated divorce attorney. The fact is that your divorce will not be a carbon copy of anyone else's, and discussing the issues relevant to yours early on can help ensure that you are on the right path forward. Throwing yourself headlong into a divorce without a plan or professional legal counsel can set the course for a more complicated divorce process. (Is It Time to Call a Texas Divorce Attorney?)
Five: Focus on Negotiating
When you move toward your divorce with your focus on negotiation – rather than litigation – it can go a long way toward keeping your divorce as amicable as possible. It is important to note, however, that if your ex decides that he or she wants your divorce to be as contentious as possible, there is very likely nothing you can do to stop him or her, and you will need to move forward with your wits about you and with your experienced divorce attorney by your side.
An Experienced Attorney Can Help
Attorney Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, has the experience, compassion, and legal skill to help you obtain beneficial divorce terms with the least amount of legal turmoil possible. To learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at (254) 781-4222 today.