5 Things You Should Know Before Getting Divorced

Divorce has become more common than in previous years. There has been significant research into understanding the reason behind these changes and the essential things an individual must know before getting a divorce. Divorce is serious, and sometimes couples end up working things out and remarrying, but that is not the usual outcome.

Being sure about the divorce is one of the key factors to focus on when deciding whether or not to get a divorce. Once you are sure that divorce is the best option, the working pieces of the divorce will come into play. If the two of you have purchased a home together or any other property, there will need to be discussions that include how property will be split between the two parties.

In addition to property distribution, an understanding must also be reached regarding custody of children as well as the responsibility of any joint debts. Finally, hiring an attorney may be in your best interest. Some divorces can be completed due to “no contest” laws in which both parties are amicable and agreeing on all aspects of the case. This type of divorce often requires that no children were born from the marriage. Understanding these five concepts can assist in the planning necessary when divorce is the selected path.

Are You Sure?

Getting a divorce can be challenging to deal with. Deciding that the person you swore your life to is no longer the person you want to grow old with is devastating. You may have feelings of regret that cause you to question everything. If you are the one who walked away, it can be challenging to stick to your decision and follow through with the divorce. If there is any question in your mind, stop and take a few days to process. This is why you need to be sure that you no longer want to be with your spouse. Once you have come to a solid conclusion that you want to be divorced, you can move on to other things.

How Will Property Be Split

Once you are sure that divorce is what you want, you must figure out how the property will be split. When you get divorced, dividing property can be an issue. If this is an amicable divorce, the two of you can agree on splitting everything 50/50. Most of the time, this is not how things will work. Understand that you may have to make some sacrifices to get the things you really want. It will be best if both parties agree on who gets what without dragging it out in court.

Where Will The Children Go?

One of the most difficult components of divorce is the children. No one wants to be the parent stuck with weekends and holidays. There is a short end of the stick with this, and there is no uncomplicated way to go about doing it. If the two of you cannot agree, it will have to go to the courts. When this happens, your divorce case can extend an extra 6 months to a year. It is vital to keep your cool during this phase so you do not jeopardize your chance of maintaining at least an equal portion of custody over the children. Think about their schooling and how they may be uprooted from everything that they know. What may have previously been their comfort zone is likely to be snatched away, and children often have difficulty processing the accompanying emotions. Just remember that your children have feelings too, and they will have strong feelings but may be unable to show them. They also may worry that they will be forced to choose between their two parents.

Know Your Debt

Another critical component involves you and your money. You must be aware of and understand any debts you owe. Even if it is your spouse’s account, but your name is on it, you could be responsible for the debt. The best thing you can do is call your creditors and have them put the debt in the name of whoever’s planning to keep control of the asset. For example, if you both are on the loan you received for your house, you are both responsible. It is a good idea to go ahead and split debts and add the correct name to them so that you won’t be blindsided by bill collectors calling.

Hire An Attorney

One of the most important things to do is to hire an attorney. Getting a divorce is complex, and having an attorney to draft and file the paperwork makes it much more manageable. They also have more excellent knowledge regarding divorce and can give you some valuable tips and tricks. There are many tasks involved with a divorce that will cost quite a bit of money. Your attorney will put together the paperwork and have a processor serve your spouse. This service is not free and is just one of the many extras that may come with hiring an attorney. On the bright side, an attorney will know your rights and be able to get your divorce started and completed within a reasonable timeline. Overall, many things factor into your getting a divorce. You must be sure to keep all these things in mind when you start the process. It could take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on each factor. You must stay strong and vigilant so that you can get things done in a reasonable time.