What you need to do when going through a divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful and life-altering experiences anyone can go through. Experiencing some degree of anxiety is expected, given the complexity and length of the process. The best way to maintain perspective and improve your odds of receiving a just resolution is to get and stay organized. If you’re going through a divorce, use this simple checklist to help you get organized and stay on track.
Planning for Divorce Checklist
Make a checklist using the following sections. Each procedure has its full explanation that may be reviewed at any time.
- Determine if an out-of-court settlement is possible for your divorce.
Evaluate your chances of successfully working through crucial divorce-related issues with your partner.
You can probably handle your divorce without a lawyer if you and your husband/wife agree on all the issues. A do-it-yourself divorce service that includes state-specific divorce paperwork and mediation could be helpful. When you and your spouse have decided on all the problems in your divorce, you can use a marital settlement agreement template to formalize your agreement and submit it to the court for approval. A private mediator may be able to help you reach a deal if you and the other party are unable to do it on their own but are close to doing so. In many cases, mediators can help to divorce couples reach a mutually agreeable divorce settlement. A divorce trial may be necessary if you and your spouse cannot agree on all matters. If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic violence, seek professional assistance.
- Think about whether you need a lawyer.
No jurisdiction mandates that you retain legal counsel during a divorce. Still, it’s often in everyone’s best interest to do so, especially before filing for divorce or approving a marital settlement agreement (MSA). Hiring a family lawyer will add to the total expense of your divorce, but they can help you avoid unnecessary stress and safeguard your rights. If you’re having trouble deciding between a do-it-yourself divorce, private mediation, and hiring an attorney, we invite you to take our quiz. If you elect to retain legal representation, your spouse’s attorney cannot represent you during the divorce proceedings. Conflicts of interest prevent family law practitioners from representing both parties in a divorce proceeding.
- Step three is to prepare for the new parenting plan if you have minor children.
There’s a lot for divorcing parents to consider, but this is an excellent place to begin. Create a rough outline. Find out how child custody is handled in your state and start formulating a plan that includes holiday and school break visitation for both parents and any other special events.
Produce a timetable. Make a schedule to keep tabs on when the kids are with each parent. Think of things like transportation problems, missed appointments, and money out of pocket.
Learn the ins and outs of child support. Prepare for the possibility that you may need to pay or receive child support following the divorce. If your spouse is unwilling to pay child support while the divorce is proceeding, you can ask the court for a temporary support order when you file your petition or response.
- Collect Legal Evidence of Your Wedding
Gather documents that pertain to your marriage and estate planning to create a documents file.
Agreements. Get hold of any estate planning paperwork, including prenups, postnups, and everything. Documents such as wills, living wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives should be located.
Legal documentation for wedlock. Get your marriage license and put it someplace safe.
Term and whole life policies. Get hold of duplicates of your life insurance policy in case one of you should pass away.
In conclusion, it may seem impossible to acquire all the divorce paperwork you’ll need, let alone figure out how to proceed through the divorce process. But you can succeed, just like so many others have before you. Realize that progress will occur gradually, and focus on making minor improvements. Use your checklist and support system no matter what course of action you take, whether handling your divorce, seeking assistance online, or dealing with experts like mediators or lawyers. You can endure this and emerge stronger on the other side.
