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Keep these tips in mind, if divorce is on the horizon

On Behalf of | Jan 11, 2018 | Divorce

The winter holidays are behind us, and for couples in Virginia whose marriage was already strained, the holidays may have been a time of stress, disagreements and disappointment. Some may have hoped that they could reconcile over the holidays, but this is not always possible. Others may have wanted to have “one last” holiday season as a couple, especially if they have children. Whatever the reason, once the holidays are over and the New Year begins, some couples will start to think about ending their marriage. When this happens, there are some steps a person can take to prepare for divorce.

First, it can help to have all of one’s financial documents in order. Such documents may include one’s 2017 paystubs, 2017 tax return, credit card statements and bank account information. This can help an attorney provide an assessment regarding the financial aspects of divorce, such as property division, spousal support and child support.

Second, those who are filing for divorce or have been served with divorce papers may want to stay off of social media for a while. Social media posts can be used in divorce proceedings, and if they contain information about one’s children or spending habits, this could affect the outcome of one’s divorce. If a person needs some emotional support during the divorce process, visiting friends or family may be a better alternative to posting their thoughts on social media.

Third, it can help to have a general understanding of the divorce process. Keep in mind that divorce laws vary by state. A lot of information can be found online. It can help to make a list of questions one has about their divorce. A person may also want to determine if they want to try mediation or some other form of alternative dispute resolution.

Finally, a person should step back and look at the big picture. Listing one’s goals, both for the divorce process and afterwards, can help. A person can ask themselves, “What kind of life would I like to live after divorce?” Developing a positive attitude towards the divorce could lead to a satisfactory result.

The decision to divorce is a big one, so it is important to be prepared. With some forethought, a positive attitude and an understanding of the divorce process, it is possible to reach a resolution that is fair to all involved.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Top 5 Tips: How To Prepare For Your Divorce In The New Year,” Morghan Lela Richardson, Dec. 26, 2017

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