subject: Important Information You Should Have When Preparing for Divorce [print this page] Important Information You Should Have When Preparing for Divorce
Once a divorce petition has been filed in court, the next course of action is to prepare for the divorce. This first involves seeking a divorce attorney. When doing so, it's important to be patient. Ideally, you want to choose an attorney that has a minimum of five years experience with divorce cases. This will prove that they know the process and will have the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with family and divorce law. The best case scenario however is for the case to be settled outside of court as this will save you and your spouse a lot of money. But if nothing can be worked out, then you will have no choice.
Another part of preparing for a divorce is knowing what is yours and what you owe. Essentially, assets that both individuals acquired while married such as cars, home, and debts are split down the middle in a divorce. Your income and your spouses should be established. If you aren't sure what your spouse's income is, then consult your attorney who might be able to gain legal access to it. Your attorney should have all this information; this will be beneficial when the decision is being made about who should get what. Be sure to have a copy of this information for yourself too.
Another element of preparing for a divorce is be aware of your financial situation moving forward, especially If you are going to get custody of the children. With your spouse out of the picture, taking care of your household might be more difficult. Knowing the impact the separation will have on your situation is critical in the divorce case. You will need to know exactly what it will take to manage your house and children in order to properly evaluate the settlements you have to select from. You should also know what to ask for if the case goes to court.
Preparing for divorce also means not acting out in anyway that your spouse can use against you in court. This is especially true if you are looking to get custody of the children; your focus should be on them only. Giving your spouse's lawyer any ammunition against you will making winning the custody battle that much more difficult. Always stay calm and under control during the proceedings, no matter how tough it may be. You will be give the best impression possible to all parties involved.
