Divorce, by its very nature, is almost always a negative process. While, true-there are some people for whom divorce is the best option, deciding to end a marriage is never an easy decision to make. Of course, being informed about the process of a divorce is the best way to make sure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Here are some tips for divorce:
1. Even if you think that your divorce is going to be amicable, make sure that you talk to a lawyer, especially if there are a number of assets that have been built up by you and your spouse. When deciding on the best divorce lawyer, ask people you trust who have been through the process to recommend someone to you. You should also start saving some money to cover the legal costs of a divorce-getting divorced is not cheap.
2. Make copies of everything. This is not an exaggeration. Make sure that you have a copy of every document from the last three years of your marriage. This includes all of the bank statements, credit card statements, mortgage payments, tax returns, pay stubs, any stock certificates you might have, any bonds…if it looks like it could potentially be important make a copy.
3. Make sure to cancel any of the credit cards that are in both your and your spouse's name. If joint accounts stay open then you are left holding the bucket if your spouse makes any charges that he or she cannot pay. This can be very damaging to your credit record, not to mention your financial situation.
4. Make sure that you have insurance-if you were covered by your spouse's health insurance policies, this will end after the divorce. The Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act gives you thirty six months to find new insurance, but you will have to pay the premiums to continue your insurance during this period.
5. Make sure that you have an inventory of all of your assets and the contents of your home. This list should include the worth of all of the items as well. It might seem to be a little bit over the top to make a list of everything in your home and its monetary worth, but it will come in handy if your divorce is less than friendly and it becomes the decision of a third party of who gets what.
6. Make copies of all of the photos and videos. Dividing up memories is a terrible process-even worse than dividing up of assets or belongings. The best way to make this part easier is to simply make copies of everything you can.
Also consider the steps not to take: Do not just move out of your home, unless you feel unsafe in staying there. Talk to a lawyer before you change your place of residence. Don't try to take on everything yourself. Remember that not all divorces are the same. Each case is going to be unique, so comparing your divorce to that of someone else is never a good idea.
How to Get a Divorce Tip #1
You need a lawyer. Even if you think that things will stay friendly and both you and your spouse make every effort to keep them that way, a lawyer must be consulted to make sure that everything is filled out and filed correctly. You can use the same lawyer if you want to keep the costs down, but a lawyer must be consulted. |
How to Get a Divorce Tip #2
Your County Clerk is the best place to go for divorce forms and filings. They will have the forms that are the most up to date. Using older forms can waste time and money when you are forced to fill out a more current version. Laws and forms change all the time, make sure yours are the correct ones to use! |
How to Get a Divorce Tip #3
This is not going to be an easy time for you. Even if you and your spouse are convinced that the divorce is in both of your best interests and things remain friendly, ending a marriage is never an easy process. Make sure you have a good system of support surrounding you to help you get through it. |
