subject: What To Do If Divorce Is Imminent [print this page] What To Do If Divorce Is Imminent What To Do If Divorce Is Imminent
Are you heading towards divorce? Here are 10 things you may need to consider if your relationship has come to an end.
1. Firstly, you need to communicate with your spouse. It's important that you've give yourselves every opportunity to repair your relationship and that requires talking.
2. Next, if you have children, they need to be your primary focus. Staying together for the sake of the children may not be a good idea, but ensuring that you do the right things by them when going for a divorce is paramount.
3. It's important to think about your friends and family too. They can help you through this difficult period, but they may also be affected and it's important that they understand why the relationship is over, even if you need to hold back some details.
4. Make sure, until proceedings have begun, that you reduce tension at home by not doing anything rash like cancelling bill payments or making threats. This will be a difficult process for both of you, so it's important to remain calm and stay focused on what's best.
5. Eventually, you will need to speak to a family solicitor. That's not to say that you will be pushing your soon-to-be former spouse for every penny or the house, but it ensures everything is handled professionally and they can help you kick-start the proceedings.
6. Try to be as reasonable as possible with your former partner. If one of you is moving out, has bills to pay or will no longer have access to transport, try to come to an arrangement that doesn't cause friction.
7. Discuss the big issues with the other party, such as custody, property and possessions. The more amicable the process, the better it is for everyone.
8. Where there are disagreements or you are unaware of your rights, consult your divorce solicitor and ask for their advice. They will help make sure you get what you're legally entitled to.
9. Finances are always a big issue when two people split up, especially where incomings and outgoings are shared or where one partner has financially supported the other. Make a list of all income, expenses, assets and liabilities. This will help divorce solicitors to give you accurate advice.
10. It's also a good idea to have your will changed. Otherwise, in the event of your death, your former spouse may still be entitled to part of your estate.
When you're ready, speak to a family solicitor or divorce solicitor to discuss how to proceed.
