Learn the crucial things to know when planning a divorce, including legal tips, financial advice, and steps to protect yourself.
Divorce is not a thing that people get ready for, and, often, it is a difficult and a tearful process. Uncertainty, stress, and a flood of different emotions are usually there at the end of a marriage. On the contrary, acquiring an understanding of divorce steps and having the right guidance can ease the process and help one to get through it.
If you are planning to get a divorce, you should come to grips with the situation from the aspects of law, finance, and emotions. In this article, we will give you some vital information that you might find helpful during the process of divorce.
Understanding the Legal Process of Divorce
The first step in planning a divorce is understanding the legal process involved. Divorce laws can vary depending on where you live, and the process itself may differ based on whether you and your spouse can reach an agreement or whether you need the court to intervene.
Usually, the divorce procedure starts when one partner serves the divorce petition which states the cause of divorce and possibly the request for child custody, the division of family property, or the payment of alimony. After the submission, the other partner has the right to answer. Both partners may decide to settle their differences without the court’s help if they agree upon the divorce conditions. Nevertheless, if a dispute arises, the judges will step in and will be the ones to decide the issues that have not been sorted out.
Divorce can be contested or uncontested, and an uncontested divorce may be simpler and faster to finalize. However, contested divorces, where the parties disagree on significant issues, can take longer and be more costly. If you’re facing a contested divorce, working with a skilled divorce attorney in Los Angeles can help ensure your interests are protected.
Understanding Your Financial Situation
Divorce is a challenge not only to one’s emotions but also to one’s pocket. At times it is not easy to reach an agreement about who gets what and who is responsible for which debts, and even after the divorce, you will still be living with the financial consequences. Therefore, before taking the steps towards divorce, the very first thing you must do is an honest self-evaluation of your financial situation. To start with, you need to look for all your important financial documents such as tax returns, bank statements, details of your retirement fund, and mortgage.
The goal is to understand the assets and debts that you and your spouse share. In some cases, the division of assets may be a point of contention, especially if one spouse is entitled to more than the other. If you are concerned about your financial future after divorce, it’s crucial to have a clear plan for managing your finances going forward.
Child Custody and Support: Key Considerations
Dividing child custody and support arrangements is usually one of the most difficult and controversial matters for couples who have children when they divorce. It is crucial that child custody matters are handled with the children’s best interests at heart. Very often, if the children are capable of having two good parents in their lives, the court will see to it that this happens.
Custody is generally divided into two categories: one is legal custody and the other is physical custody. Legal custody deals with the authority to make the child’s education, health, and general upbringing decisions, whereas physical custody concerns the child’s living arrangements. Joint custody whereby both parents share both the decision-making responsibilities and time with the children, is usually the ideal situation but it cannot always be the case always if there are worries about the children’s safety or well-being.
Besides, child support is a very significant issue when it comes to divorce. Parents have to share financially the upbringing of their children in most states. The amount of child support is usually determined by both parents’ earnings and the amount of time spent with the child. Familiarizing yourself with the child support provisions in your state is very important and consulting a professional to ensure the needs of your child are adequately met is advisable.
Seeking Legal Guidance from a Divorce Attorney
Divorce is a very distressful period and at times it might even get out of control. However, getting with a lawyer can really help you understand the maze of the law that you are entering. An experienced divorce lawyer is like a companion who is with you to lead your every decision to make you stronger and better prepared in terms of knowledge of your rights and the law.
Wherever your aim is to settle the case in a friendly manner, or negotiate custody agreements, or simply protect your holdings, a divorce lawyer can help you through the entire journey with the right amount of support and knowledge. Picking a competent family lawyer who is experienced in the law and knows the troubles that are likely to stem from your case is very important. Besides that, a lawyer can represent you in the court where you won’t even have to speak a word – your lawyer will ensure that your rights stay untouched and that you get the justice you deserve.
Divorce is so emotionally draining that it may leave a scar on your overall mental health and well-being. One of the major things you need to do while going through a divorce is to be emotionally strong and take care of your feelings. Most people after divorce go to a therapist or a counselor who gives them the tools and ways to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety.
Protecting Your Mental Health During Divorce
Divorce is so emotionally draining that it may leave a scar on your overall mental health and well-being. One of the major things you need to do while going through a divorce is to be emotionally strong and take care of your feelings. Most people after divorce go to a therapist or a counselor who gives them the tools and ways to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety.
Along with the professional help, it is also very important to have your own circle of friends and family who would give you the love and emotional support. If you are a parent, don’t forget your children in this situation as well – divorce cases may have a deep emotional impact on kids too. Parents should recognize the need and make sure that their children get the emotional care they need during and after the divorce period.
In the first place, taking care of your psyche will make sure that you are wise enough to make smart choices during the divorce process. Also, whenever the divorce is sealed, it is going to be kind of a fresh start for you and your freshly-wellbalanced-mind will be a great resource for the new beginning.
Be Prepared for the Aftermath of Divorce
After your divorce is legally over, the reality is that you will have to move on with your life and start adjusting to the changes brought about by your new situation. Managing your finances independently, living in a different place, and getting used to the single parenting lifestyle are just a few examples of the numerous changes that accompany divorce.
Making plans for life after divorce is equally, if not more, important than making plans during the divorce. These plans could involve setting up a new budget, revising your will, and thinking about your career and personal aspirations. Divorce, on the one hand, may seem like an insurmountable problem; on the other hand, it can be a chance to create a new life that is satisfying and in tune with your goals.
There is no doubt that divorce is a tough time, but having the necessary knowledge, the right kind of support, and professional help can make a big difference in going through it more easily. If you are facing divorce and need experienced legal guidance, the Fernandez Law Group is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation and take the first step toward a new beginning.