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How to Prepare for a Divorce

Even though couples do not enter into a marriage thinking that they are going to get divorced, there are some situations where both spouses might be better off apart from one another. Even if you think the divorce will be amicable, it is still important to prepare accordingly. That way, you can save time, money, and stress.

What do you need to do if you want to get yourself ready for the divorce proceedings? Take a look at a few important points below, and reach out to a legal professional who can make sure that your rights are protected during the process.

First, you need to gather a support team that can help you during the divorce process. Of course, you should rely on your family members and friends for emotional support, but you also need an objective professional who can help you navigate the legal system. Divorces have to make their way through the courts, and if you have never worked with a court before, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

You need to be able to focus on other areas of your life, and that is why you should rely on a divorce attorney who can help you with the complexities of the divorce process. If you are looking for a divorce attorney who will protect your rights, defend your interests, and put you in the best position to build a successful life on the other side of the divorce, it would be our pleasure to assist you.

2. Gather the Necessary Financial Information

You will need to gather a significant amount of financial information as a part of the divorce process. You will need to show proof of all of your assets and debts to make sure that all combined property can be divided evenly.

You will need to gather documents that show what you own. For example, you may have a pension plan from your work, inheritance from your side of the family, or belongings that you brought with you into the marriage. If you believe the property is solely yours and should not be considered when dividing assets, you need to have the necessary documentation to prove this. Your attorney can help you figure out what documents are sufficient.

Then, you need to figure out what assets are considered marital property. For example, if you and your spouse bought a home together, this is clearly marital property. You may also have financial accounts that are in both of your names, and vehicles, that need to be divided evenly.

3. Prove Your Income

You will also need to collect financial documents that show how much money you earn and how much money your spouse earns. If both you and your spouse are salaried employees, you will need to produce your most recent pay stubs. You may also need to collect your most recent tax returns.

If your spouse is self-employed, or if your spouse does not work, the process could become a bit more complicated. That is why it is important to have an attorney who can help you during this process. You need to gather the information that you can, and then rely on your attorney to sort through the weeds.

There are also a lot of other legal documents that you may need to bring to the divorce proceeding. For example, if you have plans for end-of-life care, you may need to adjust them as a result of the divorce. This could include your will, relevant healthcare directive, and relevant powers of attorney. You may also need to gather documents related to insurance policies that you have. This could include your car insurance, life insurance, home insurance, long-term disability insurance, and identity theft insurance. These policies might need to change after the divorce.

5. Find a Safe Place To Live

You should also find a safe place to live while the divorce is happening. Even though there are some situations where both spouses continue to live together until the divorce is finalized, that is not always the best move. After all, you need to have conversations with your attorney without your spouse overhearing them, so you may need to find somewhere else to live. You might want to talk to your family members and friends to see if you have a place to stay as the divorce unfolds.

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6. Document Everything as the Process Takes Place

There is a saying that if you did not document it, then it did not happen. Therefore, you must make sure that you document everything that takes place as the divorce proceedings move forward. For example, if you had any communication with your spouse prior to the divorce taking place, it could be relevant to the proceedings, so make sure to save them. You might also have documents on your computer relevant to events, circumstances, finances, and other important legal issues that might need to be taken into consideration. Make sure you have backup copies of them, and you may want to talk about them with your attorney.

7. Discuss How the Children Will Play a Role

Finally, if you and your spouse have minor children together, you will need to figure out the role you will play in their life after the divorce is finalized. For example, you might be interested in pursuing sole custody of the children. Or, you and your spouse might want to share custody of the children after the divorce is finalized. Every divorce proceeding is different, and you need to talk with your attorney about how you can do what is best for your children. Where are the children going to live after the divorce? What is the visitation schedule going to be like? Ultimately, the judge is going to act in the best interests of the children, and your attorney can help you make your case.

No matter how amicable you think your divorce might be, it is important for you to rely on a legal professional who can help you. If you are looking for a divorce attorney in Daytona Beach, Florida, look no further than Ross & Andreassi. We have a tremendous amount of experience representing spouses from a wide variety of backgrounds, and it would be our pleasure to help you. We will make sure that your rights are protected, your voice is heard, and you are put in a position to be successful after the divorce is finalized. Contact us today for a case consultation.

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