There is no way around it, divorce is complicated. It typically requires days, weeks or even months of decision-making and negotiating. For instance, you and your husband may have to divide bank accounts, retirement accounts, the family home in Frisco, work out a custody arrangement for the children and even decide which one of you gets the dog. With the sheer complexity involved in getting divorced, it is vital to take the time to properly prepare.
By planning or organizing, you can go into your divorce with much less stress and you may even be able to reduce the time it takes to get through the process. Here are five essential tips to help you prepare for your divorce.
Gather Your Financial Documents
Whether you are planning to make the leap in a week or wait for the beginning of next year, go ahead and start gathering and organizing your financial documents. If you take a full inventory of all of the assets and debt you and your husband own, it will be much easier to collect the necessary account statements, mortgage documents, ownership titles, credit card statements, and any other relevant financial information.
Avoid Social Media
Since social media has become a way of life for many people, it can also hurt you when it comes time to divorce. For instance, your husband's lawyer may be able to use your social media posts to convince a judge that you should not have physical custody of the children. To protect yourself, take a break from posting on your favorite social media sites until your divorce is final.
Do Some Research
Take some time to learn about the basics of divorcing in Texas. Be sure to obtain your information from reliable sources like the state court's website on divorce. You can use this information to make a list of questions for your first meeting with a divorce attorney. You may also find that there are other options than divorce litigation, such as collaborative divorce or mediation, that might better suit your situation.
Take Care of Yourself
During such a hectic and stressful period, take plenty of time to see to your needs. Perhaps a few appointments with a therapist will help you prepare for what's ahead or maybe you need more physical activity or a new hobby to stay centered and focused. It is very easy to let a divorce take over your life. By setting aside time for yourself, you can maintain the balance you need to effectively cope with the divorce.
Set Some Goals
Setting goals is a great strategy for keeping things on track during your divorce and for the time after. For example, imagine what you want your life to be like post-divorce and make a list of goals that will get you there.
If you are considering divorce, it is important to prepare for the process. By using the above strategies, you can protect your interests and get through your divorce ready to start fresh.