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Things to Consider When Going Through a Divorce

Posted on December 28th, 2017 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.

Ending a marriage is never easy. Regardless of the reason for getting divorced, it is an emotional and complex ordeal for everyone involved. Becoming consumed by the hardships of divorce can often distract you from the legal matters at hand. There are a number of important life components that are impacted by a divorce. Amid the chaos and emotional roller coaster you will want to keep a clear enough mind to ensure you make decisions that are best for the future of you and those around you. The following are some of the things to consider when proceeding with the divorce process.

Children

If you have children, then they are probably your biggest concern as you and your spouse dissolve the marriage. Minor children, especially, are directly impacted by a divorce. Even if you and your spouse are at complete odds, it is important to be civil and make decisions with their best interests in mind. To ensure the best for your children, you should consider and take care of the following issues as soon as the decision to divorce is made:

• • With who and where will the children stay? If possible, you and your spouse should make this decision together rather than taking it to court. Unless one parent is unfit to care for the children, shared custody is usually best for children. If you and your spouse will live in different geographical regions, then you will need to decide where the children will primarily live and go to school.

• • Who will pay for what? Child support can be necessary if one parent makes less money than the other or if one parent has primary custody. Again, this issue can be settled outside of court with the other parent.

• How will you tell the children? It is best to plan a time where you and your spouse can sit down and tell the children together in a civil manner. You should have all the details worked out at this point so your children are not involved in any of the stress. This is a difficult time for children, so you should do whatever you can to help them cope

Assets

When you go through a divorce, you and your spouse will have to divide your assets and belongings. This can be a stressful ordeal, especially if there are large disparities in earnings or disagreements on who gets what. The following are things to consider:

• • Understand the laws in your state and any agreements that may have been made before or during your marriage.

• • Determine what is marital property and what is separate property

• • Choose a date for asset valuation and run inventory of all marital property

• • Claim and divide personal and household goods

• • Determine if someone will receive real estate or if it will be sold

• Determine how joint accounts and investments will be divided

Your New Life

While dealing with the legal issues and the emotional hardship, it hard to think beyond anything pertaining to the divorce. It’s important, however, to start thinking about and planning for your future. Unfortunately, the reality is that life as you know it is about to change, so it’s best to be prepared. While making decisions, you should also keep in mind what is best for you.

• • Decide on a new living situation. If you do not stay in the house you lived in with your spouse, you will need to find a new place. This may be in the same area or a new area, but it is important to have the arrangements ready for you, and any children involved, for once the divorce is finalized.

• • Figure out a new budget. You will no longer have the income of your spouse. If they made more money, you might need to budget better and reconsider some expenses. If you relied solely on your spouse’s income, then it may be time to search for a job. It also may be the case that either you or your spouse will be paying alimony, so that should also be factored in.

• Take care of yourself. Don’t forget to give yourself a little TLC during and after this difficult time. You might consider putting more time into other relationships, such as with your children, friends, parents and other family. Finding new hobbies and pursuing interests can also be a way to help you cope and start a new life.

Contact a Divorce Lawyer

Because of all the complexities and stresses presented by divorce, it may be helpful to seek some legal support. An experienced divorce attorney Tampa Fl recommends can help review your situation, consider your options and determine the best course of action for you and your family.

Thanks to our friends and contributors from the McKinney Law Group for their insight into divorce.