What to Do

•Consult an attorney

There are many legal issues and ramifications involved with seeking a divorce. It is best to seek a highly qualified divorce attorney who can help you through the legal maneuvering associated with the divorce process. From financial issues, to child custody, hiring a good attorney can prepare you for the difficult legal issues involved with divorce.

•Meet with a counselor

For you and your children’s sake, seeking a highly qualified counselor like Howard Rudolph can help you deal with the emotional upheaval often caused by divorce. Being in the right state of mind through the legal proceedings can directly affect the outcome of your divorce case, and not to mention can directly affect your children’s mental wellbeing as well.

• Put your children at the top of your list

Directly related to the previous point, and even more important than legal, financial, and material assets, your children’s welfare should be at the top of your priority list. How you guide and reassure your children through this difficult process can have life long consequences. Seeking a highly trained counselor can help you and your kids through the divorce process.

•Follow court decisions to the “T”

Disregarding or bending court visitation rules, restraining orders, or other legal issues is not a good idea. Try to think before you act upon your emotions, because breaking a court order can have dire consequences for you in the future. If you’re having trouble dealing with emotional issues associated with divorce, seek counseling IMMEDIATELY.

•Copy important documents

Making copies of mortgage documents, legal papers, financial records, titles, and other important things can offset anything being misplaced or lost in the divorce process. Also, these documents are often crucial in the legal process.

•Compile a list of household and family possessions

Alongside keeping copies of important documents, cataloging your household and family possessions is a crucial step in the divorce process. This ensures an equitable and fair division of assets and property, not to mention this makes the process much easier in the future.

•Record current divorce related events for future reference

Events that happen today with regards with your divorce process may be important a year or six months down the line in your divorce proceedings. To keep memories fresh of events associated with your divorce, keep a daily journal or log.

• Prepare a list of the household budget, expenses, and your income information

Often overlooked in divorce cases, keeping an accurate month by month list of household expenses can help you through the financial burdens associated with divorce. The proceedings will most likely end up being expensive. Preparing in advance for the cost of a divorce is crucial for your future financial state.  Learning how to manage the family debt before a divorce can help make the transition a lot smoother. Also, make a realistic assessment of your earning potential to offset possible future child support and alimony costs associated with divorce. Examine your credit history, find out your credit score and explore the possibility that you might need a new mortgage or credit to help offset varying costs. Try to build your own nest egg to help in the process.

•Find out exactly what your spouse earns

This is probably most crucial step in determining an equitable division of assets. Finding out exactly how much your spouse makes has direct implications in terms of child support and alimony. This is an important piece of information you need before heading to court.

• DO NOT PANIC!!

The more organized and on top of your financial situation, the better. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are family, friends, and highly trained counselors like Howard Rudolph to help.