Unlike marriage, divorce is a much more complicated process. It can be complex and emotionally draining for both partners. However, in many cases, people are already emotionally prepared before filing a divorce on paper. But being emotionally prepared isn’t enough to handle divorce better.
Although divorce is a move leading in a positive direction – it also turns out to be a chaotic and quite stressful event. The reason is, there are several practical aspects involved in the process, such as child custody, spousal support, tax status, and more.
So, before you find any conflict to attend to, let’s prepare yourself practically by creating a pre-divorce strategy. As each situation is unique and not everything applies equally across the board, you will still require a deep understanding of all the factors.
To help you navigate the divorce process, here are eight crucial and common steps you can consider in this blog:
Prepare Ahead Of Time
There are many cases when divorce doesn’t come as a surprise. Some people have already planned to go through the process for a long time. This helps in being emotionally ready to face the process. As divorce is a life-changing decision, it is helpful to be prepared in advance.
What best you can do to utilize this time to set up your divorce strategy prior to diving into the process. During the planning process, you can meet with an attorney, start saving money for the process, and define your divorce settlement.
Creating a divorce strategy ahead of time will help in making the process smooth. No lie that you will still encounter some unexpected bumps during the process. But advance preparation will reduce the emotional turmoil and protect your rights.
Know the Laws of Your State
Every law varies from state to state, and there is no exception for divorce. While you’re planning a divorce, there’s no excuse for you to avoid knowing about the laws and regulations that you have to abide by. In fact, not knowing about the legal rights and regulations can cost you a lot of money.
For example, if your partner is disabled, it demands careful attention to legal, emotional, and financial considerations. You need to find out all the legal and financial Factors to Consider When Divorcing a Spouse with a Disability.
The information you get will help you understand how the court divides the assets and debts between you and your partner so you will be better prepared for what’s coming next.
Organize Your Finances
It’s not new that divorce costs a lot. And for many, it doesn’t come as a surprise. Regardless of the process you opt for, you’ve to deal with the expenses at every step. Even when you file the initial paperwork, you will be charged a fee to proceed.
So, while you are preparing your divorce strategy, it’s crucial to organize your finances. Set your savings aside for the investment to prevent yourself from getting blindsided.
Keep the Details Sorted
Going through the divorce process is all about lobbing a hand grenade into your schedule to keep the details straight. There will be forms to fill out, information to be shared and collected, assets to divide, and more. In short, you’ll have a lot on your plate to deal with.
In the initial stage, it will all feel chaotic and cause you a headache. But do your best to juggle things and keep the information straight in the files. Remember, the more you’re organized, the easier it will be for you to handle your case and expect desirable outcomes.
Get a Support Network
While you are forming a pre-divorce strategy for yourself, try to avoid overlooking your mental health. No matter how mentally you’re prepared for the process, the process will impact your emotional health to some point.
However, by having a support network, you can deal with emotions better and reduce their impact on your health. Find out who has your back for legal, personal, and financial help. Create a group of people willing to help in the challenging time from your family, friends, and loved ones.
Form a Divorce Strategy for Kids
If you’ve kids, keep in mind that divorce is getting tough on them. There is more emotional involvement when there is a kid in the process, and people don’t think straight.
What you should consider is doing detailed research about child custody law in your state. Find out how your state calculates child support and appreciates parenting plans. While you’re dealing with this, try your best to be more available to your child. Give them your support.
This might add more pressure and emotions to your plate to deal with. But keeping your children included and well-informed will help you deal with the situation better.
Protect Your Credit
Marriage is not only joint to souls together but financial arrangements as well. More chances are you have shared credit cards, signed for car loans, and names on mortgages. Now, here you’ve to find out who is responsible for which debt.
If your ex makes certain payments or even refinances a loan, it can help in removing your name. But if you don’t, you will be all chased by the creditors and may take the hit. So, be more observant about credit while you are preparing your divorce strategy and have all copies of the record with you.
It is advised to discuss all the finances outside the court and keep your partner informed about your financial situation. This can help in avoiding false claims and economic conflicts.
Plan for the Future
When creating a divorce strategy, you need to plan your future along with it. Even if you want to get through the process, you also have to worry about the practical concerns that come with it.
Divorce will bring massive change to your life and routine. You will go through multiple changes in one go. From changing your tax status to providing child support and finding a new place to live – everything will need proper planning and your attention.
Here, you might lose your hope for a happy and healthy life. But with a positive approach to life, you can begin the new journey with more enthusiasm. You can find possibilities that will help in improving your life and make you a happy and content person.