Are you or your spouse considering divorce? Has either of you already filed?
You are not alone. While divorce rates have been on the decline, U.S reports over a million divorces each year. The average marriage only has a 50% chance of success, and it’s understandable when things get to the point of no return.
It’s no secret that divorce can be an overwhelming process. You are likely to have numerous questions about the process. How long it will take, the best course of action, and what the process will cost you are just some of the things divorcing couples worry about.
Luckily, you do not have to go through this daunting period alone. You may find it helpful to seek legal services from an experienced Riverside family attorney to guide you through the process.
On your part, there are several things you can do to make your divorce a peaceful and successful one. See these tips below.
Maintain mutual respect
Maintaining mutual respect with your soon to be ex can be a hard tackle depending on the situation at hand. If there has been unfaithfulness or abuse involved, you could hire an attorney to fight your case in court no matter how stormy the situation is.
Nevertheless, a prolonged court battle can only do more harm than good, including financial, emotional, and physical strain. Hence, it would be wise to proceed with mutual respect, no matter how you feel about each other. It will also save your kids the emotional distress common in divorce cases.
Get proper knowledge
Before filing for a divorce, gather everything you can on divorce. Reach out to lawyers who can guide you through the legal proceedings and things to expect. A thumb of rule is refraining from jumping into the water without measuring its depth.
Make your kids a priority
Most divorces include fighting over children. It might be ok for you but think about what this means to your kids. Understand that no child wants to see their parents separate. Seeing you fight only makes it harder for them.
So, the best thing is to come up with an agreement that won’t affect them. For instance, you can make a list of visitation options to provide your kids with stability during and after the divorce.
Take responsibility
True, divorce can be overwhelming, but don’t be a passive observer. Even with legal help, be prepared to make your own decisions- it’s your divorce after all. It helps a lot to take an active role even when you are not the initiator. This way, the process is likely to take less time, be cheaper and be less stressful.
Protect your sanity
You can’t underestimate the emotional trauma that comes with a divorce. It would help to get a support system to help you get through the process. The system could include an attorney, a therapist, a financial advisor, family, and friends.
However, it would be wise not to involve your family and friends in your divorce. They should only be a support team.
Manage your expectations
Many couples have preconceived perceptions of what they want to achieve often driven by their emotions. Without a clear head and high expectations, the divorce may frustrate you and leave you bitter.
A family attorney can explain what to expect so that you set your expectations at a reasonable level.
Mind your money
Even before the divorce process begins, you need to take stock of your money with an inventory of your credit cards, bank accounts, etc. Even if you are the spouse who manages the family finances, you should ask yourself what you would do if your accounts were closed.
On that same note, it would help set parameters for your lawyer to follow to minimize unforeseen legal fees.