You’ve tried to work through your issues, but the truth can no longer be denied. It’s time for you and your spouse to get a divorce. The good news is that the process can be made easier than you’d think with careful preparation and foresight, so if you’re ready to separate from your partner once and for all, here are just six steps for a stress-free divorce.
1. Remain Calm
The first and most important thing is to keep your emotions in check while you navigate separation talks. You won’t accomplish anything by bringing up affairs and failed businesses, so why throw that kind of fuel on the fire? Is the satisfaction of being “right” more important than a quick and painless divorce? Force yourself to remain civil instead of giving into your weaker impulses. Take the moral high ground even if your partner doesn’t.
2. Find a Lawyer
Divorce lawyers can help you navigate the confusing labyrinth of alimony agreements and asset divisions. You’ll need a different one than your spouse, however, to ensure that your interests are being represented as an individual and not a unit. You might even want to find a separate firm entirely. Consider it your first expense as a soon-to-be-single party.
3. Prioritize Your Assets
Do you care more about the house or the car? Are you willing to receive less alimony in exchange for more material goods? Who gets the dog? As long as it’s fair to both parties, there’s no right or wrong way to divide your assets. Just remember that compromise will probably be necessary if you don’t want to spend months squabbling over pots and pans. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll get everything on your list, so prioritize what matters to you and what doesn’t.
4. Talk About Custody
Figuring out a custody arrangement for your children can be one of the most difficult experiences of your divorce. The trick is to approach it with logic and not emotion. Both of you love your children, and both of you want them to have a smooth transition with all of the changes in their lives, so don’t get testy. Consider things like location, finances and schools, and ask yourself who’s really equipped to take care of the kids.
5. Gather Your Documents
Marriages leave a paper trail in the form of bank statements, tax records, insurance policies and prenuptial agreements. You’ll need all of these documents for a well-planned divorce. You should also toss in any custody arrangements or separation agreements that you and your partner have already signed; you’ll need those for the divorce lawyer.
6. Look on the Bright Side
There’s a reason that you wanted a divorce. Even if you’re stressed out by all of the hoops that you have to jump through, there’s a light waiting for you at the end of the tunnel once everything is complete. Don’t let yourself succumb to depression or despair. Everything will look better once you’re free of your burdens and facing the prospect of a new life.
These are just a few ways to ensure that your divorce goes as smoothly and painlessly as possible. For more information, contact a divorce lawyer like Tully Rinckey. Rinckey and others like him help people with their marital separations every day.