Planning to Divorce? How to Prepare
Before starting a divorce, you should set yourself up for a smoother, less stressful transition by getting clear understanding of your family finances, researching process options like Collaborative Divorce or Mediation, consult with professionals early, and strengthen your emotional support system. The more informed and prepared you are practically and mentally the more control you will have over the process and your future.
5 Steps to Divorce Planning
1) Take Stock of Your Financial Picture
One of the most important steps in preparing for divorce is understanding your financial landscape. This includes identifying your net worth, reviewing how your assets are performing, and examining how your expenses align with your current and future goals. If you are considering keeping the home or moving out, assess whether those options are affordable. Many people review their finances annually, but doing this intentionally before starting a divorce helps eliminate surprises once the process begins.
2) Understand Your Divorce Process Options
You do not have to go to court to get divorced. Before the new year or the date, you plan to begin the divorce process, explore the available options for how to get divorced. These options include Collaborative Divorce, Mediation, or a traditional court process. If you and your spouse both know divorce is coming, the spouse who researches these options first often shapes the direction. Understanding Collaborative Divorce or Mediation early in the decision-making process will help you guide the process toward a less contentious, more solution-focused path.
3) Schedule Consultations with Divorce Professionals
It is common and encouraged to have consultations with divorce professionals before starting the divorce. You can meet with more than one attorney to gather information and compare approaches. You can also consult with divorce coaches and divorce financial professionals. This early preparation empowers you rather than leaving decisions up to chance or your spouse’s choices.
4) Strengthen Your Emotional and Mental Well-Being
Divorce is a stressful transition and preparing emotionally is just as important as preparing financially. If you are not already seeing a therapist, this is a good time to begin. Emotional readiness helps you make clearer decisions and stay grounded when tensions rise. Working on yourself, including your health, mindset, and support system, creates stability when the process begins.
5) Do Your Homework
It is okay to research online, whether through Google or ChatGPT (Keep in mind not all information on the internet is correct.) Look into what divorce involves, what you can expect, and what decisions you may need to make. The goal is to avoid being surprised once the process starts. The better prepared you are, the smoother the transition will be.
FAQs
1. Should I meet with an attorney before telling my spouse I’m considering divorce?
Yes. Early consultations help you understand your options and avoid having the process dictated to you.
2. How far in advance should I start preparing financially?
As soon as you know divorce is a possibility. Financial clarity reduces stress once the process begins.
3. Is therapy necessary before a divorce?
While not required, emotional readiness significantly improves your ability to get through the divorce process.
4. What if my spouse chooses a court process before I finish researching?
This can happen, which is why early preparation is valuable. Understanding your options helps you engage more effectively.
5. Can I research divorce online before speaking to professionals?
Absolutely. Online research can help you understand the basics, but professional guidance is essential.
I help clients minimize the destruction of divorce whether it be through the collaborative law model, the court process or mediation. My focus is on complex family law cases and representing professionals and their spouses who value a proactive solution orientated approach to their divorce. Our policy is to provide prompt responses and regular status updates to clients. Keeping the client informed about their cases is the highest priority. We as a firm are accessible when needed. Clients want a speedy resolution to their divorce or family law matter without sacrificing the best possible outcome. I am a strong advocate of the Collaborative Law and mediation dispute resolution methods for their ability to custom-craft solutions, minimize conflict and usually reduce the time of a case. Not only are we experts on family law, but we understand the impact of divorce on children and we help client’s develop co-parenting relationships. Clients deserve to be treated with kindness and empathy during this difficult time. We as a firm represent clients in a professional, ethical manner. The firm uses the latest technology to save time and make the client’s experience easier.
