Thinking About Divorce? Where to Start?

So, you have decided to get a divorce. It is never easy when you plan on taking that next step. You may be wondering what exactly you should do next? So many thoughts go through your head. You are probably worrying what will happen with my children? My house? My cars? My business? These are all thoughts that enter your mind when thinking about divorce.

The first and most important step is finding and selecting a lawyer. Find someone who can walk you through the steps and help you with all the pieces you wouldn’t think of. You want an attorney that doesn’t look at you just like another paycheck. You want someone sensitive to your situation and someone that can help you. Your divorce attorney will be a part of this life changing event, so you want someone that cares about your situation to explain all the details of the process.

When you are thinking about a divorce, you must think about what needs to get done now but also, what has to be done when the divorce is finalized—everything from filing the petition to finalizing the divorce, even updating your will. You need an attorney that can take care of everything. So, when it is all said and done, you know, you are taken care of.

When you have exhausted all your options, and you decide it is best for you and your family that a divorce is necessary, the next question is, what do I do next?

1. Talk to your attorney. Going through a divorce is hard, but going through a divorce without a divorce attorney is even more difficult. The last thing you want is to forget to file the proper paperwork or try to go about this alone. The right divorce attorney will help you through the entire process, from step one all the way until the end.
2. If you have children, you need to ask yourself who you want to have custody and how you will like it to be handled. Are you ok with joint custody, or do you want sole custody? Would you like your child to live with you or your spouse? Maybe you feel that the child would benefit from spending equal time with both of you. When a divorce involves children, things can become complicated. It is best to think about these decisions in advance so you can make sure your children are taken care of the way you intend.
3. Start thinking about your assets. In Texas, we have what is called community property and separate property. You need to see what your separate property is and what property belongs to both of you and your spouse as community property. Visit this article to see if your property is separate or community.
4. Now is the time to start thinking of what you want out of this divorce and what you’re willing to give up. The truth is a lot of divorces involve some give and take. Now is the time to start thinking of your needs and wants. What do you need to settle your divorce as easily and quickly as possible? Also, what do you want? What would you like to have out of this divorce but be willing to give up if it came to it? Are you willing to give up the car, but you need the house? Divorces can end in a settlement if both parties can come to an agreement. Taking the time to think about these things and being able to come to an agreement with your spouse will save on cost and time.
5. Be prepared. Know this is what you want. It is a big decision. If you are ready, this may be a long process or a short one. It all depends on how well you can work with your significant other and what we have to resolve, whether it is a large amount of assets or children.

Divorce isn’t easy, but the divorce attorneys at Dyer & Mauro will help you from step one all the way until the end. We are more than just your attorney. We are here to make sure your needs and wants are satisfied to the best of our ability. Contact our family attorneys today to not only discuss your options but to see if we can help you go through what is a significant life event.