I’ve Decided to Get Divorced, What Are My Next Steps Moving Forward?
Uncontested Divorce Mediation
Posted January 13, 2021
Deciding that it is time to get divorced is one of the most difficult decisions that you will have to make. The fact is that when you get married, you assume that it will last forever, so it can be hard to accept that your marriage is over. Yet, if after a lot of reflection and consideration you have decided that seeking a divorce is the best option for you, it is important to consider what steps you will take as you move forward with the process of getting divorced. Since getting divorced can be a complicated and confusing process, it is important that you take some time to prepare before you file for divorce in order to ensure that your interests are protected, Here is a look at the steps that you should take moving forward upon deciding that it is time to get a divorce.
Gather Financial Information
Once you have decided to get a divorce, the first thing that you should do is start gathering important financial documents. Many jurisdictions require both parties in a divorce to file a financial affidavit disclosing a variety of information such as their income, insurance information, and expected inheritances. Unfortunately, during a divorce, you may find yourself overwhelmed and unsure where to find these documents, or an angry spouse may even try to hide certain financial records. Gathering all of this information now, and making copies for yourself, will ensure that you have everything you need when you go to file for divorce. Documents that you should make copies of include your last 3 years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, insurance policies, household bills, financial/retirement account statements, and mortgage documents.
Educate Yourself
Once you have all of your documentation in line, the next thing that you should do is take some time to research the Denver divorce mediation process. The fact is that getting a divorce can be a complicated and lengthy process, and what this process entails will vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction in which you live. You should then take some time to look into how the divorce process works in your state including what paperwork will need to be filled out, what will be expected of you, and how long this process will take. Once you start the divorce process, you may find yourself overwhelmed by emotions and lost in complicated paperwork, so doing your research now can help you to go into this process feeling as prepared as possible.
Think About How You Will Break The News
In many cases, couples come to a mutual agreement that getting a divorce is in their best interest. However, if you have not talked to your spouse about divorce, and/or you don’t know how they feel about your relationship, it may come as a surprise to them that you want to get divorced. It is then important that you take some time to think about how you will break the news to your spouse that you want a divorce, as you do not want them to find out that you are filing for divorce when they are served divorce papers. The fact is that how you break the news to them can set the tone for the divorce and drastically affect how amicable things are moving forward. Try to be honest about why you want to get divorced, but make sure that you do not come across angry, cold, or insensitive, as this may lead to a fight and a complicated divorce. The calmer you can keep things, the better off you will be in the long-run.
Figure Out Your Living Arrangement
Before telling your spouse that you want a divorce, you should take a moment to think about your future living arrangements. When going through an amicable divorce, many couples find that it makes the most sense financially to continue living in the same house. However, if you do not find this appealing, you should have a plan in place for where you will stay when you move out. Before leaving the family home, you should discuss any potential legal ramifications that this could cause with a Denver divorce mediator, as moving out now could affect your claim to the property in the future.
Consider Opening a Post Office Box
As you begin the Denver divorce mediation process, you should consider opening a post office box, particularly if you plan on continuing to share a residence with your spouse for the time being. Establishing a post office box will give you a confidential place to receive mail and communication pertaining to your divorce from your lawyer and other entities. This will provide you with peace-of-mind as you will not have to worry about your spouse going through your mail or stealing important documents.
Open A New Bank Account
If all of your financial accounts are joint accounts and you do not currently have a separate bank account of your own, it is important that you open up a new account as soon as possible. Establishing your own bank accounts will allow you to begin to build some financial independence as you start a new life for yourself. While your new account may still be considered marital property depending on state law, it is still a good idea to establish a bank account that will provide you with some privacy moving forward.
Consider The Benefits of Divorce Mediation
Once you are ready to file for divorce, it is important that you consider what process will work best for you moving forward. If you and your spouse are fairly amicable, and the divorce is uncontested, then you may want to consider Denver divorce mediation. Divorce mediation is often the best option for couples seeking an uncontested divorce as it is a less expensive, and faster, process than a contested divorce. However, divorce mediation may not be right for everyone, particularly if there are many areas in which you and your spouse are in disagreement. Contact Split Simple today to find out if divorce mediation would be right for you.
