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What You Should Expect When Filing For A Divorce

What You Should Expect When Filing For A DivorceWhatever the length of your marriage, getting divorced is a difficult process. it can be demanding on your emotional and financial resources.

Along with the emotional process of dissolving a marriage, there’s also…

  • a ton of paperwork to be completed
  • assets to be divided
  • debts to be paid off
  • a new future to navigate.

Being unprepared or disorganized can make it challenging as this procedure might take months.

Knowing how to get ready for a divorce might make things feel less stressful. It’s safe to say that divorce is more complicated than regular breakups. And you must consider all of the technicalities involved in leaving the person you were omarried to.

It’s a lot simpler to begin pursuing your goals once you’re aware of exactly what lies ahead post divorce.

I’m sharing this article because I am a bestselling personal development author with about 2 million books sold globally.

I am also the founder of the therapist recommended online course called Broken Heart Recovery.

I love sharing tools to help people heal from their divorce and enjoy happier relationships.

With this mind, in this article, I will explore what to expect when you file for a divorce.

6 Steps To Expect When Filing For A Divorce

If you don’t know where to start, read on to learn exactly what to expect when requesting a divorce.

1. Getting A Divorce Solicitor

According to divorce solicitors in London, while it’s simpler if you could resolve the differences peacefully, if that’s not feasible, it’s best to seek a lawyer who can explain your rights and obligations as well as who’s able to argue your case in front of a judge and make sure you take the proper measures. With a qualified attorney, you’ll be able to make wise decisions about your future and that of your children, if you have any.

To find a decent attorney, ask relatives and friends for references and look into a number of family law practitioners in your neighborhood. Basically, you want one who knows the pros of settling but is also equipped to stand up for your sake. With many capable professionals across the state, you can speed up the selection process by interviewing a few prospects to see which one you’ll feel most at ease with.

Considering that divorce laws differ across states, having professional guidance who understand the regulations in various jurisdictions is essential. For instance, when selecting a divorce lawyer in the San Francisco area, it’s advisable to consider their experience, specialization in family law, and track record in handling similar cases.

2. Assembling Significant Legal Paperwork

Your paperwork should be well organized and kept together with copies of all of your legal documents. Documents such as your insurance policies, will, and powers of attorney will also need to be updated so you’re no longer financially liable to your ex-spouse. Bear in mind that your lawyer can assist if your spouse is withholding the said documents or if it’s difficult for you to locate any paperwork. You can also look for information to support your protecting your child custody rights.

Below is a checklist to assist with the document compilation:

  • Marriage Certificates: Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements and a marriage license
  • Final Arrangements: A will, a power of attorney, and an advance healthcare directive. 
  • Real Estate: Documents of deeds, assessments, home costs, mortgages, and rental properties.
  • Tax Returns: At least five years’ worth of federal and state tax returns. 
  • Business Records: Invoices, tax returns, payroll data, and copies of any trademark or patent registrations.

3. Getting Your Financial Paperwork In Order

Getting a picture of you and your spouse’s financial situation to make a distribution of the assets as well as obligations is one of the divorce process’ objectives. After compiling all significant legal paperwork, make copies of your credit card statements, bank statements, investment statements, retirement statements, health savings account statements, insurance documents, and loan documents.

It’s crucial to understand your financial situation prior to entering into settlement negotiations to receive a fair share. Make sure to keep all of your documents in a secure location and have them available to you in both print and digital form.

4. Safeguard Your Credit And Deactivate All Joint Accounts

Your credit score won’t be immediately impacted by filing for divorce, but it can suffer if you’ve missed payments as a result of the divorce. It’s advisable to settle and close all joint credit accounts prior to your separation. If you close them before filing for divorce, neither you nor your spouse will be able to utilize the account and accrue debt that you both could be held accountable for later.

Once you’re divorced, you can open new accounts to preserve your credit. Investing in identity theft protection is also a good idea because getting divorced usually exposes people more to scams.

5. Registering A Divorce Petition

After making sure all the above have been executed, the next step is to file a petition, which is the primary step in the procedure. A spouse must file a formal petition asking the court to void the marriage, whether the other spouse consent to the divorce or not. 

The petition has to contain a declaration that at least one spouse satisfies the residency requirements of the state for divorce, a valid cause of divorce, and any other data required by state law. Once the divorce has been filed successfully, the remaining process is in the hands of the law.

Conclusion on what to expect in a divorce

Whether it’s a decision made by both spouses or a sudden action taken by one, a divorce can be emotionally and financially taxing. The process, however, might be made a little easier by being aware of the stages involved.

Get More Support To Deal With a Divorce

Explore my therapist recommended online course called Broken Heart Recovery.

 

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