Even in the best of circumstances, divorce can be an emotionally and financially taxing process. If you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, it’s important to find the best divorce lawyers you can to ensure your rights and interests are protected. The following tips can also make the process easier and give you peace of mind.
1. Provide Documentation
Evidence is key in any court proceeding. Gather any documents related to assets, income, debts, life insurance, employment, and retirement accounts, including tax returns. It’s also important to be completely honest – attempting to hide debt, assets or money is always a bad idea. If the court finds out, you will most likely be on the losing end of your final divorce settlement agreement.
Make sure to provide communications such as voicemails, emails, texts, and social media messages/posts to your lawyer. They can help clarify certain issues surrounding child custody and substantiate claims of mistreatment, and they may be useful evidence for many different matters. Calendars and schedules of kids’ school events and activities can also be useful evidence when negotiating custody arrangements.
2. Stay in the Marital Home
Unless there are domestic violence issues that put you and your children in danger, it is often best to stick to a regular routine in the home that your kids are familiar with because this provides a sense of normalcy and comfort for them – remember, they’re probably feeling unsure about the future as well. Affordable custody lawyers can advise you on the best course of action to protect your rights and your children’s interests.
3. Keep Your Emotions in Check
Divorce is a painful process. Seeking therapy and leaning on your legal team for advice can help make it a bit easier. Remaining composed throughout the divorce process can definitely work in your favor. It’s critical to think beyond your divorce and focus on what you want for the future. It’s also important to be civil for the well-being of your children, and engaging with your spouse when things get heated can give rise to issues like false abuse allegations. If you’ve been accused of hurting your spouse or children, make sure to seek the counsel of a domestic violence defense lawyer right away.
4. Be Careful About What You Say and Do
When you’re in the midst of a contentious divorce, it can be tempting to vent about your spouse to friends and family. This can come back to bite you, as can airing dirty laundry on social media. Always consider anything you post to be public, including photos. Avoid negative talk or posting about your spouse or divorce until after it’s finalized. Another thing to keep in mind is to be careful about the content of photos and social media “check ins.” For example, someone could take an innocuous picture of you enjoying a glass of wine or at a social media “check-in” at a bar and try to use it as proof that you have a problem with alcohol.
5. Choose an Experienced Divorce Attorney
Regardless of whether your divorce is amicable or wrought with tension, it’s critical to hire an attorney who has experience handling a wide range of divorce cases. A good child support lawyer can ensure you receive or pay a fair amount of support and a family estate planning attorney can help you update your will as you move into this new phase of life.
