At Arnel Law Firm, we know that filing for divorce can be a difficult, frustrating, and emotional experience for everyone involved. That is why it is important to carefully consider several factors that can help to reduce the stress from the situation. The more proactive you are with how you make this decision, the easier the transition will be on you and your family. Below, we explain five things to consider before you file for divorce.
#1: Set Realistic Expectations
Too many people file for divorce simply because they want to be the first to initiate legal proceedings. But when it comes to divorce, there is rarely a real “winner.” From property division to alimony and child support, there is a variety of complex issues that make it difficult for one spouse to walk away from the divorce with everything they hoped for or wanted. Instead of focusing on who will be the “winner” and “loser,” think about the potential consequences of a drawn-out legal battle and whether you want your marital issues to remain more private by deciding things outside of the courtroom.
#2: Consider What’s Best for Your Children
Rather than blindside your spouse with the divorce filing, you should consider discussing how and when you’ll tell your children together. Divorce can be devastating for a child’s emotional state, self-esteem, and performance in school. Although you might be angry with your spouse, approaching the topic of divorce as neutral as possible in front of your children can help them cope with the situation.
#3: Hire a Divorce Attorney
Even if you think you and your spouse can be civil and figure everything out together, you should still hire a separate attorney. What is in your best interest might not necessarily be in your spouse’s best interest, which is why you should hire a different attorney than your spouse so that you have access to unbiased legal counsel.
#4: Establish Your Own Funds
If you are convinced that you want to divorce your spouse, then it’s a good idea to start setting aside money as soon as possible. From the costs of legal and attorney fees to unexpected expenses or family emergencies, you need to save money and plan ahead so you are financially prepared. You should consult with a lawyer or financial analyst to get help determining the value of your marital assets or if you’re worried your spouse is withholding financial accounts from you.
#5: Update Your Will
People often forget about their will when they are going through a divorce, however, you should update your will before you get started. Although it might take months or even years to finalize your divorce, you need to make sure the right people are named in your will, especially if you don’t want your soon-to-be ex-spouse to have power of attorney or access to your life insurance policy and 401k if you were to pass away become ill.
Request a Consultation with Arnel Law Firm Today
Our talented legal team is fully capable of handling complex divorce cases involving substantial assets or family businesses. We will gladly take the time to fully understand your situation and walk through your objectives before creating a strong legal strategy. Our divorce attorneys have more than 40 years of cumulative experience, and we are prepared to put our skills to work for you today.
Call our law firm at (718) 550-3024 to schedule your free case consultation.
