If you are getting ready to go through a divorce, doing what you can to get ready will help the process go as smoothly as possible. We have handled a lot of divorces, and through this experience, we have seen just how big an effect thorough preparation can have on the outcome of the process.
10 Steps to Take as You Prepare for the Divorce Process
With this in mind, as you begin thinking about the divorce process, there are several steps you will want to take to get started on your preparations. Here are 10 steps to get you going:
Step #1: Make Sure You Know What the Divorce Process Entails (and What It Doesn’t)
First, you should make sure you have a clear understanding of what the divorce process entails. For most couples, the process has four main components:
If you hire a divorce lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will help you address each of these issues systematically and with a clear understanding of all relevant considerations. Just as important, your lawyer will help you understand what not to expect along the way. There are lots of misconceptions about the divorce process, and you don’t want to let these misconceptions lead you astray.
Step #2: Make Sure You Aren’t Relying on Faulty Assumptions
Faulty assumptions can also lead you astray. For example, many people assume that one spouse has to “lose” their divorce—and this is not the case. When preparing for a divorce, informed decision-making is critical, and one of the best ways to ensure that you are making informed decisions is to rely on the insights of an experienced divorce lawyer.
Step #3: Start Thinking About Your Priorities
While neither spouse should “lose” a divorce, the divorce process inherently involves compromise. With this in mind, you should start thinking about your priorities. Which of your assets are most important to you from a financial perspective? How important is it for you to keep assets that have sentimental value? Are you more interested in keeping as much of your old life as possible or getting a fresh start? These are important questions that will play a key role in how you approach the divorce process.
Step #4: Start Making Copies of Your Important Records
There are several types of documents that you will need to collect for purposes of your divorce. Since this can take time, it is a good idea to start the process now. We have compiled a list of important documents that you can use to make sure you have the copies you need.
Step #5: Start Creating Lists
Along with using our list of important documents, it can be helpful to create some lists of your own. For example, divorcing spouses often find it helpful to create such as:
- A list of assets you owned before your marriage
- A list of assets your spouse owned before your marriage
- A list of the assets you want to keep most after your divorce
- A list of your goals and priorities concerning child custody
- A list of your anticipated monthly expenses after your divorce
- A list of questions you want to ask your divorce lawyer
Creating lists can help you stay organized, and it can help ensure that you give your lawyer all of the information he or she needs to represent you effectively. When going through the divorce process, the more information you have readily available, the better.
Step #6: Consider Which Issues Are Most Likely to Lead to Disagreements During Your Divorce
Disagreements during the divorce process are common, but these disagreements don’t necessarily have to end in disputes. As you prepare for your divorce, it can also be helpful to start thinking about the issues that are most likely to create stumbling blocks along the way. By anticipating disagreements, you can think about what it will take to resolve them, and you can use these insights to approach these disagreements as proactively, strategically, and non-confrontationally as possible.
Step #7: Consider Your Options for How to Approach Your Divorce
There are several ways to approach nearly all aspects of the divorce process in Arizona. This includes everything from how you will divide your marital assets and parenting time to how you will resolve any disputes that arise. An experienced divorce lawyer will be able to help you consider all of your options and decide what is best for your individual circumstances.
Step #8: Learn as Much as You Can About Getting Divorced in Arizona
The more you can learn about the divorce process, the better. Not only will this help you make informed decisions, but it will also help you feel more comfortable and confident along the way. Our blog contains a wealth of useful information and practical tips for divorcing spouses in Arizona.
Step #9: Take a Deep Breath
This is usually about the point when people start to feel overwhelmed. If this all seems like a lot to manage, take a moment to pause. Take a deep breath. While there are several steps in the divorce process, there is also a clear roadmap to follow, and an experienced divorce lawyer will be able to guide you step-by-step through the process.
Step #10: Schedule a Free Initial Consultation
Hiring a divorce lawyer starts with scheduling a free initial consultation. This is your opportunity to ask your questions and receive some guidance with no strings attached. Your consultation is completely confidential, and you can use the information you receive to make informed decisions about what to do next.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with an Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ
If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer in Phoenix, we invite you to get in touch. To schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you, please call 480-923-9063 or contact us online today.