Divorce is a difficult decision. We know it’s hard to process and that you’ll have many questions. But if you’re thinking of ending your marriage, we want to help you navigate this life-altering transition as smoothly as possible. These are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to end your marriage.
Take Your Time
The decision to divorce is never an easy one. The emotional toll of ending your marriage can be brutal, but it’s essential to take the time you need to make the best decision for you and your family. Many factors need to be considered when deciding whether or not to end a marriage. Things like finances and children can be significant considerations. You’ll also have legal matters, such as how property will be divided and how custody arrangements will work.
Consider the Outcome
Every person and condition is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But before you start looking at the pros and cons of the idea, ask yourself these questions:
- Why do I want to end my marriage?
- What are my goals going into this?
- Do I want a divorce or an annulment?
- Am I ready for a legal battle?
- Can we resolve this issue without going through the whole process of ending our marriage?
- Is someone else involved in deciding whether or not to end our marriage?
Know Your Rights
It’s essential to read up on your rights as a spouse before a divorce. Some states might have specific waiting periods, like 90 days, before they will grant the divorce. When some couples get divorced, they don’t want their spouse selling the family home and buying something else before the marriage is officially over. If that’s true for you, make sure your state has a waiting period for those situations, so the home doesn’t change hands before the divorce is final.
There are also some states where there are restrictions on how much property or assets one spouse can give to another during a divorce without paying taxes or penalties. You should look into these laws if you plan on giving anything away during your divorce proceedings.
Hire a Divorce Attorney
When you contact a divorce attorney, there are a few things to consider. First, what type of attorney should you contact? This will depend on the particular situation. For example, if you’re looking for help with child support or custody matters, you may want to speak with a family law attorney. Next, what kind of divorce do you want? If you’re interested in an uncontested divorce, this will be much easier than if you need one that requires property division or alimony payments. Lastly, how much assistance do you want from your lawyer? There are two types of lawyers – those who give general advice and those who provide full representation. Full representation means that the lawyer will represent your case at all times until the process is complete; general advice may involve consulting on specific areas of the case. The decision is yours to make as both are advantages and disadvantages.
When you decide to end your marriage, you might be surprised at how complicated the process can be. Thankfully, some attorneys and specialists can help guide you through the process.
About the author:
Emma is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2