Divorce: Where to Start

If you have recently come to the realization that you and your spouse can no longer make your marriage work, your next step is to file for a divorce. If you have never been through this process before, it might seem daunting and you might not know where to even begin. Before you move forward, make certain that this is the right choice for you and your spouse. The last thing you want is to find yourself in the middle of this process and discover that your marriage is actually worth saving.

If you and your spouse ultimately decide that a divorce is your only solution, however, then you need to take some time to educate yourself on how to get started. We have provided some steps that will help set you on the right path:

• Gather your paperwork: A key element in ensuring a smooth divorce, is staying organized, so now is the time to begin gathering your paperwork. Begin with your latest tax statement and start creating a record of your assets and debts, including loans, credit cards, mortgages, properties, investments, and more. You might not have everything you need now, but your attorney will be able to take a look at what you do have and let you know what is missing.

• Calculate what you might need in terms of assets and support from your marriage settlement: Just because you develop a budget to propose does not mean you will get it, but it at least provides a good starting point for negotiations. If you need help, your attorney will likely be able to put you in touch with a financial professional who can provide an accurate and reasonable estimate.

• Talk to your spouse: Depending on where you and your spouse are on getting a divorce, you might be able to amicably work through your problems, especially if this was a mutual decision. Keep in mind that no agreements regarding your marriage settlement should be made informally. That said, it is perfectly acceptable to talk about some of the following issues to see if you are on the same page: living arrangements, child custody, child support, finances, spousal support, and property.

• Decide on an approach: There are numerous methods available for spouses to dissolve their marriage, such as mediation, collaborative divorce, and litigation. The litigation process can be inherently hostile and, if you wish to keep the details of your divorce private, litigation will not do you any favors, so make sure you have a clear understanding of what each option provides and how well they support your goals. If you and your spouse are on bad terms and absolutely cannot negotiate with one another, you might have to go through litigation. On the other hand, if you feel you are able to discuss the terms of your divorce in a productive manner, you might want to opt for mediation or the collaborative process. This might not be a pleasant moment in your life, but divorce does not have to get messy.

Whichever divorce method you choose, make sure you seek legal guidance. This process might seem overwhelming, but with experienced legal help on your side, you can get through and move on to the next chapter of your life with greater ease.

Contact Friedman & Friedman PLLC Today

Deciding to move forward with a divorce is not easy, but once you come to this conclusion, it is important to obtain the skilled legal representation of a Long Island attorney. At Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law, our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and compassion to navigate you through every step of the divorce process while protecting your interests. No matter where you are in the process or how complex your situation might be, you can be confident in our ability to represent you.