What Are the Most Important Steps I Should Take to Seek A “Healthy” Divorce?
As common as divorce is today, it’s still far from simple most of the time. While things can get complex and stressful quickly, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and thus reduce your stress. Below, we discuss some tips we have for embarking on a “healthier” kind of divorce:
Education
First and foremost, get educated before you even bring up the topic of divorce to your spouse. Know the basics behind the law in your state, especially if you share children with your spouse. This means knowing about how the law judges what is in the best interest of your child, child support, alimony, property division, etc. This step also isn’t limited to online research: Listen to podcasts, connect with folks in the community that you trust, etc.
Finances & Property
You also want to make sure you are aware of any and all financial details – income, expenses, accounts, liabilities, real estate, businesses owned, etc. Do as much homework as you can in order to avoid time, cost, and surprises later on. Also make sure that you do not overlook expenses that may not be directly linked to credit cards or assets; for example, if you are on your spouse’s healthcare, this potential future cost will need to be taken into account.
Also know that inheritances can be one of the most high-stakes issues in divorces, ad things can get complicated when the inherited items or funds are commingled with marital property, or when a spouse’s name is added to things like title documents. If you already have inheritance, or anticipate receiving it, there are a number of actions you should take to maintain control of it, including keeping any funds in an account in your name only (kept separate from any marital funds and used to pay taxes for anything inheritance-related), making sure that you have any and documentation in order to prove that ownership is in your name only. You may also want to consider creating a separate trust to hold your inheritance.
Emotional Support
Many people find that speaking with a therapist is helpful to them, no matter how amicable the divorce process is. It can be helpful to have a professional emotional outlet so that you do not find yourself mixing the emotional and legal issues. Your therapist may also be able to help you come up with a plan or strategy to broach the topic of divorce with your spouse.
Consult The Right Lawyer
Keep in mind that, even if your divorce is completely amicable, divorce is a legal process, and only an attorney can help provide you with an overall outlook on your case, which includes taking into account the specific facts of your case and providing a plan for your long-term goals and protection. At the very least, book a consultation with an attorney so that you have some background on what to expect. In this appointment, your attorney should be able to discuss any issues that need to be resolved, what the laws in your state dictate, and your options.
Even in the most amicable situations, it can be difficult to keep your cool, so to speak, when children, pets, homes, and more are involved. Make sure that you have compassion for yourself, and contact our Orlando divorce attorneys at Arwani Law Firm, PLLC to find out more about our services.
Resource:
nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/seeking-healthy-divorce-here-s-what-marriage-story-got-right-ncna1111816
