Preparing for Divorce
The end of a marriage is never something someone looks forward to, but when the decision has been made to move forward with a divorce, there are specific steps that should be taken to prepare for the process. You should never proceed into divorce without knowing what to expect and how to put yourself in the best position in all aspects—personally, financially, and legally.
Getting legal guidance from a skilled family law attorney is a must. If you are heading toward filing for divorce in the Johnson County, Kansas, area—including Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, Leawood, or Prairie Village—contact Jeffers Law Office today to schedule a time to discuss your situation.
Factors to Consider Before Divorce
Before filing for divorce, there are certain considerations that should be made. Just like when entering into a marriage, making the decision to divorce is not something that should be taken lightly. Prior to officially filing your papers, it’s advisable that you take time to think about the following factors.
Counseling
You may feel that your situation is a lost cause and that your marriage is too far gone, but marital counseling can offer you and your spouse one more opportunity to pursue reconciliation and avoid the finality of divorce. Working with an experienced counselor to resolve conflicts in your marriage may be what is needed before you reach a point of no return.
Type of Divorce
While no divorce is truly pleasant, there are certain degrees of hostility that vary from one divorce situation to another. Considering what type of divorce you are moving toward in your relationship—uncontested, contested, collaborative, etc.—will allow you to better prepare for what type of legal process you are going to encounter.
Living Arrangements
A divorce obviously upends normal routines and leads to uncertainty regarding who will be living where. It is important to think about potential living arrangements for yourself and your spouse and prepare for how this will affect your life while the divorce process is taking place.
Steps to Follow When Preparing for Divorce
If alternatives have been explored and divorce is determined to be the right course of action, there are certain measures you need to take in preparation for the divorce process.
Hire an Experienced Attorney
This is a crucial element of any divorce proceedings. Regardless of whether your spouse chooses to hire an attorney, you need to focus on what is best for you. Hiring a family law attorney with extensive experience in helping clients through divorces will go a long way toward making sure you are fully prepared for the process.
Secure Your Assets
Canceling any joint bank accounts, making copies of pertinent financial documentation, and changing your personal passwords are all important things to do before you get deeper into your legal situation. Even in cases in which people feel they can still trust their spouse, it is wise to begin separating your finances from theirs.
Compile Important Personal Information
Documentation that proves your or your spouse’s employment, residence, and other basic information should be kept on hand and ready to provide if any questions arise during the divorce proceedings.
Assess Your Finances
Being aware of any outstanding debt and your current assets will be beneficial when financial matters come into play during your divorce. It is also important to know how much money you are going to need moving forward in life after your marriage, as well as what legal costs you can expect to incur during the process itself.
Consider Marital/Non-Marital Property
Making a list of all property and determining what is legally considered marital (shared) or non-marital property will help you prepare for dividing assets in your divorce. Homes, real estate property, vehicles, household items, and personal effects should all be included on this list so that you and your attorney can begin the process of determining what is yours to keep and what will need to be divided as part of the divorce.
Gather Legal Documentation
Copies of tax returns, investment statements, business documents for any companies you or your spouse may own, insurance policies, financial records, and other important paperwork should be obtained and kept on hand in preparation for the divorce.
Get the Skilled Legal Guidance You Need
Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging and stressful experiences you will have to endure in your life. You don’t have to handle this on your own. Having a knowledgeable family law attorney by your side throughout the process can give you peace of mind that you are well-informed and moving in the right direction.
At Jeffers Law Office, you can be confident that your best interests will always be the priority. If you are located in Overland Park, Kansas, or the other areas of Johnson County, including Prairie Village, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, or Olathe, and need help preparing for your divorce, contact the team at Jeffers Law Office today.