The Moment After You Realize You Are Getting Divorced

Though the expression that no one gets married to get divorced is overused, it still highlights a point. When you get married, you envision a future with your spouse. You take active steps to build and shape it by purchasing a home, acquiring assets, and saving for retirement. A divorce takes you off the path you were on, and it is unnerving. You begin to wonder where you will live and how often you will see your children. Envisioning your new life is difficult because you have so many uncertainties to deal with. 

 

Take a Few Steps Forward

Start taking steps forward by preparing for your divorce. Not only will you be doing things that your attorney will likely ask you to do anyway, but you will alleviate some of the anxiety you are feeling. The first thing you need to do is contact a family law attorney and set up a consultation. After that first meeting, you may not be entirely sold on that specific lawyer. The sooner you start getting an attorney, the more flexibility you will have to find the right one. 

One of the most significant benefits of having legal counsel is having a firm sounding board. For instance, if your spouse claims they will take the kids, and house, and will keep all the money in your shared savings account, speak to your attorney about this. They will explain the reality of your situation through a legal lens. 

 

Gather Your Documentation 

Make the most out of every meeting with your attorney by having the appropriate paperwork. The more information they have, the better position they are in to protect you. You can give your attorney an idea of your financial picture by having copies of your tax returns, pay stubs, and W2s. Whereas those documents represent your income, copies of your bank statements, credit card bills, and mortgage payments give your attorney an idea of your assets and liabilities. Make copies of any document that gives your lawyer additional clarity about how much money you have, the debts you owe, and how much your assets are worth, e.g., a home appraisal. 

Suffice it to say the next chapter of your life will be different. You may not have multiple incomes, you may have to pay alimony and child support (or receive it), and you need to get control of your finances. Make time to craft a budget for yourself, and you will have to keep updating. For example, when you and your spouse stop sharing a cell phone plan, add your new bills to your budget. 

 

You Won’t Have to Do This Alone 

The attorneys at Drucker & Mattia, PLLC, will help you get through the family law matter you face. Though you may be going through this for the first time, we have over thirty years of combined experience. We will guide you through child custody, support, and alimony. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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Daniel Bipes

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