Did you know that as of 2024, the U.S. divorce rate remains between 40% and 50% for first marriages? The CDC also recorded 673,989 divorces and annulments among a U.S. population of 278,154,454 people. This means that the divorce rate is 2.4 divorces per 1,000 people.
Divorce usually happens when there is a lack of communication, cheating, financial problems or physical or emotional abuse. There are many things you can do to save your relationship. It is time to take legal action if the situation is getting worse.
Take time and assess the emotional and relational states before filing for divorce. According to Riverside divorce attorney Steve Najera, an individual should consider several factors before filing for divorce.
In this article, you will learn more about the different factors to consider before filing for divorce.
Assess Your Feelings
Assess your emotions first before considering divorce. Check your emotions and identify your sentiments. This will help you find issues in your marital relationship. List these things down if it will help you make a better plan.
Ask yourself if these sentiments are fleeting emotions or indicators of unsolved difficulties. Talk with trusted friends or skilled specialists about your feelings. A third party can clarify your situation.
Review your expectations about divorce. What do you expect from doing it? Are you hoping for peace, autonomy, or a fresh start? Understanding your motivations allows you to make better decisions about your next steps.
Evaluate Financial Situation
Divorce is an expensive process. Those who wish to go through it must have adequate finances. Check your current income and expenses to see if you are financially capable of going through a divorce. Include all revenue sources, including salary, bonuses, and passive income.
Review your assets and liabilities. Make a list of everything you own, from your home, vehicles, and savings account to your debts, including mortgages, loans, and credit card balances. Knowing your net worth is an important consideration before filing for divorce.
Include spending habits in your assessment. See if you can limit some expenses to save money. Determine your future financial demands. Your financial review should take into account lifestyle changes and future expenses.
Gather Important Documents
Divorce will require you to collect several important documents.
You must present your financial records to clarify your financial status and initiate discussions about how assets will be divided. Examples of financial records include bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and investment account statements.
Credit card statements, loan agreements, and any other limits on your financial obligations are important documents that will show how debt will be handled during the filing of divorce.
Don't forget to bring all essential legal documents necessary, like marriage certificates or prenuptial agreements, if any. If you have children, compile documents like birth certificates, school records, and medical records.
Understand Legal Options
Divorces can be contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce simplifies and speeds up the procedure because both parties agree on all significant issues. Meanwhile, a contentious divorce involves disagreements and requires court action. Contested divorce is usually longer and more expensive.
Knowing how to share assets, child custody, and support is important. Each state has their own asset, custody, and support laws. A family lawyer at https://falzonlaw.com/ recommends that you consult with a family law attorney if you want counsel and representation tailored to your specific situation. A divorce lawyer can explain your rights and options and help you understand the legal process.
Look into alternatives for conflict resolution. Mediation and collaborative divorce could be good alternatives for promoting cooperation and reducing conflict.
Consider Counseling Services
Most people are unaware of how important counseling can be during a divorce. The counselor may aid in processing feelings, clarifying thoughts, and exploring the causes of marital problems.
Aside from couples counseling, individual therapy can be a great resource to use during divorce. It allows you to consider and handle the grief, anger, and confusion surrounding divorce. A professional therapist can recommend coping strategies that will help you get through the process.
Whether you end up reconciling or getting a divorce, counseling is still a great way to improve communication between you and your partner. Counseling can lead to an amicable separation, which is important when there are kids involved.
Discuss With Family
Discussing divorce with close family members is important. They can offer honest advice and support during the process, which can further improve your emotional well-being. Their advice can open up new insights about the situation.
Select a trusted family member with whom you may freely share your situation. Share your feelings and be open to their opinions. They may raise issues or offer inquiries that clarify your divorce feelings.
Plan for Future Logistics
When considering a divorce, consider future complications. Where would you rather live alone? Would you move or stay in your apartment? If there were children, how would you split custody?
Now assess your finances. Make a budget that reflects income-reducing circumstances and rising expenses. You may need new bank accounts and credit checks. The picture will aid future decision-making.
Plan for transportation. If you were changing your address, how and when would you commute to work, school, or any other destinations? Shared parenting logistics—drop-offs, pick-ups from school, or children's activities—would be only part of your new life.
You should consider your supporting network. Identify friends and relatives who can assist you in times like this. Such reliability may make the difference during the change process in your life.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the key factors to consider before filing for divorce, you can plan ahead of time and make informed decisions. Invest in a divorce lawyer to help you plan for the future and deal with the significant changes that come with divorce.
