Few things inspire such strong emotions in individuals as the thought of divorce. This can be a source of dread and worry – something that keeps you in place even while you want to move forward. When you’ve finally made the decision that your marriage is essentially over, however, that dread suddenly turns into the desire to act as quickly as possible. We tend to want to just “get it over with” as fast as we can in order to put the painful ordeal behind us and move on. And while that’s understandable, it’s important to note that there are a few things you should consider before officially filing for divorce.
Money & Finances
Money is, as always, a concern when you are thinking about filing for divorce. Remember that you will no longer have your spouse’s money to help pay bills. Can you afford everything on your own? Do you have a place lined up to live and an estimate regarding how much money it will cost to live there? Don’t forget that if you have children, you will need a home with enough room for the children to live there, too, if you plan on fighting for custody.
Even more than the above, you will need to make sure you have enough money to pay for suddenly-separate bills like internet service, cable service, phone service, utilities, groceries, rent, car payments, and your attorney’s fees. There are a lot of considerations to weigh carefully before pulling the trigger on your divorce. Make sure you have the kind of funds needed before doing so (unless you or your children are in physical danger, of course, in which case the most important thing is getting yourself to safety).
The Type of Divorce that is Right for You
There are different kinds of divorce processes depending upon where you live and the relationship you have with your spouse. Selecting the wrong divorce process could end up costing you a lot of time and money – and, if you don’t fully understand taxation and property division law, you could even end up losing property, money, or other assets. It is important take your time and really consider the best way to move forward before officially filing for divorce. This often involves meeting with a divorce attorney to map out the divorce process, including the property to which you believe you are entitled and how best to protect it.
Locate Important Documents
One mistake that many people make is leaving a shared dwelling without taking the time to locate important paperwork that can make receiving the optimal divorce settlement an option. Speak to an attorney and make sure you have your ducks in a row before you make that final decision to leave for good and start the divorce process rolling.
If you think you are ready for a divorce, contact an experienced divorce attorney for advice and information regarding how best to move forward. Don’t rush into anything – take your time and move forward cautiously.