Pre-Divorce Advice For Couples Looking to File
Have you been thinking about divorce? Are you overwhelmed at the thought of filing for divorce and setting in motion a whole process that will change your life? If you have already decided that divorce is the right option for you, there are a few things that you’ll want to do to prepare.
How to Create an Exit Plan Before Divorce
Once you file for divorce, you’ll need to make a lot of decisions. Many of these decisions can be decided when making an exit plan. Here are a few things to consider when making your exit plan:
Analyze Finances
Going from a two-person household to one significantly changes your financial situation. It is always a good idea to consider how you will pay for things like your mortgage payment or rent. You may be subject to alimony or child support, but this is not always a guarantee. It can be helpful to create a plan of where you’ll go, or how you’ll pay for things.
Think About Your Career
Deciding what you will do with your career is also important. Divorce can have an affect on your available options. For example, if you are currently a stay-at-home parent, you may need to go back to work to pay for your bills. If you currently have a career and your spouse watches the children, you may need to cut down on hours or find alternative childcare.
Think About the Children and What is in Their Best Interests
Navigating child custody and/or support following a divorce is never easy. In addition to telling your child about the divorce, you will also need to come up with a custody schedule and decide who is responsible for certain childcare duties. Consider who will get primary custody or if you’ll evenly divide your responsibilities. Having an idea upfront of what works best for you and your children can make it easier in the long run.
Determine Your Future Aspirations
While it may seem like a lot of work preparing for a divorce, it doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. If you and your spouse have been unhappy with your marriage, then a divorce can open up new possibilities and make life more enjoyable for you both and your children.
Sometimes, considering your future goals can help to outweigh the work that goes into preparing for a divorce. Create a list of short and long-term goals that you want to accomplish. Short-term goals may be as simple as creating an exit plan. Longer-term goals may encourage you to take a class or travel to a new location.
Find a Support System
Divorce is life-changing, regardless of how long you were together or the specific details of the divorce. It’s important to find a support system ahead of time. This can be either be a singular person or a group of people that you can go to when you need support. This might include friends, family members, or a group of other divorcees.
Don’t forget to consider your legal support system. A divorce requires you to evenly divide your assets. It also requires you to come up with a custody and visitation schedule that works for everyone. It is possible for your spouse to not agree with your divorce goals. In this case, it’s important to have an experienced family law lawyer on your side protecting your legal rights throughout the process. Your legal representation is just as important to you as the other support systems in your life during this time.
Contact a Cherry Hill Family Law Attorney for a Consultation About Divorce in New Jersey Today
If you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if you have already started the divorce process and are dealing with another matter such as child custody, child support, or division of assets, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. Family law attorney, Lois Garber Schwartz, Esq. represents clients throughout the state, including Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Marlton, and Mt. Laurel. She understands how challenging this time can be for you, which is why she will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call her at (856) 482-8799 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. She has an office conveniently located at 1040 Kings Highway N., Suite 202, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.