Divorce is never given a thought on the wedding day, and regardless of how many years you toiled together as a couple, that is all ending. You may be ready to file or perhaps waiting for your spouse to do so. In either case, it helps to prepare for the process before it starts. Take a look at four tips to help you get through the process.
1. Gather Financial Information
Dividing financials is a fundamental component of divorce. Not surprisingly, it is also one of the most challenging elements. Before the legal process starts, get a clear picture of your financial situation. Gather together all recent statements for all accounts and investments. Since debt is also divided, get all credit card and loan statements together. Having this information on hand can help set your expectations.
2. Prepare to Compromise
There is a lot of compromise during a divorce, and the quicker you accept it, the better of you will be throughout the process. Prioritize the most important things and set limits. Issues like child custody and visitation may be your sticking points, but know that you may not get exactly what you want with these either. For instance, unless your spouse is completely incapable or unworthy of caring for your kids, it is likely you will not only split legal custody but regular visitation will not be guaranteed either.
3. Speak to Your Children
Children suffer immeasurable fallout when a marriage ends. The idea of going back and forth between homes may be overwhelming and scary to them. You and your spouse should take time to discuss how you want to talk to your children about the divorce. Making it about you and assuring your children it is not about them may help soften the blow. Understand their emotions and know that they will not always take it well. Hopefully you and your spouse can agree that your children’s emotional wellbeing deserves a unified front.
4. Find a Support Network
Divorce is an emotional rollercoaster. It will ebb and flow, as will your anger, fear, and sadness. Even if the split is amicable, there will be moments where you may not feel good about the decision. Having a support network of people to confide in will get you through. Find a professional counselor to go through the process with you. It is important to take care of your emotional wellbeing, or you will be unable to do so for your children.
When the choice to get a divorce is clear, you should prepare as best as you can. This also means having a divorce lawyer, who aligns with your beliefs to aid in your court process.
