Spouses who retain the help of a divorce attorney as they file for divorce might wonder what will happen next and how the negotiations in their case will progress.
Although every divorce is different, divorce lawyers can at least point out that there are numerous ways in which they are also the same.
Acknowledging this, here are some points that divorcing spouses can think about beforehand to make working through their divorce easier and more productive.
- Divorce Goals - Spouses should begin by discussing their wants and needs for their divorce with their divorce lawyer so they are both working toward the same goals.
- Living Arrangements - Divorcing spouses should consider their living arrangements and come up with an agreement about it, whether one spouse leaves or spouses decide to live together peacefully during their divorce process.
- Collecting Important Documents - Divorce attorneys recommend that spouses begin collecting all necessary documents to facilitate their divorce as soon as the case is underway. Gather documentation such as marriage certificates, birth certificates of any children, financial records, property titles and deeds, credit reports, retirement and investment statements, tax returns, records of any marital debt, communications between spouses that might serve as evidence and other evidence.
- Negotiating Property and Custody - If communication is civil among spouses, start discussing things like the division of marital property and child custody so that getting through the official negotiations with their divorce attorneys will be faster and easier. If doing so causes contention, spouses can just wait until they are able to negotiate with the assistance of their divorce lawyers.
- Settling Out of Court - Consider whether settling out of court is the main goal and how negotiations will transpire, whether through a mediator, or some other way. Spouses will have to work together to do so. Clients of divorce attorneys should also consider the possibility of mediation failing and ending up in court if a successful agreement is not possible.
- Continuing On Afterward - With so much attention on the proceedings, many spouses forget to create a plan for themselves once their divorce is final. Spend time planning with regard to deciding on living accommodations, finding employment if necessary, and most importantly, leaning on a support system of family and friends that can help with the recovery and grieving process. Create new routines, practice self-care, and look ahead toward a positive new future.
Some of the biggest challenges that happen during divorce proceedings are caused when spouses are unprepared for the process or what might happen during the negotiating.
Experienced divorce lawyers recommend that spouses consider these important points as their divorce begins, then work together as much as possible to progress to an outcome that both are prepared for and reduce the strain that can happen as the divorce progresses.
Everyone will be happier and less stressed in the end.