| f today's marriages have divorce as end results. | | | | prepare any forms that you may need. |
| Typically, both parties in the divorce process aim to | | | | 5. Getting a divorce is a long process and will take |
| resolve all issues that is between them like property | | | | much of your time. This factor may also vary |
| division, child custody and support. If you are planning to | | | | depending on the state you are in. You need to be |
| get a divorce, here are some basic guidelines for: | | | | ready of the fact that divorce includes a long |
| 1. Once you and your spouse have decided to get a | | | | procedure. It would sometimes 6 months to three |
| divorce, do everything that you can to keep your | | | | years for a hearing to begin |
| relationship peaceful and quarrel-free. Fights, | | | | 6. If you have children, custody plan should be |
| misunderstanding and conflicts can only make your | | | | negotiated. There are courts that offer consultation |
| divorce look very ugly. | | | | service for free. Child custody including visitation is one |
| 2. Make it a point that you consult lawyer. Divorce is a | | | | issue that needs to be decided. |
| very difficult ordeal and a guidance of a lawyer will | | | | 7. Know the three paths where you may proceed to |
| help you. It is important to have the legal advice of an | | | | during the divorce. They are the Litigation, Mediation |
| attorney for you to be aware that you are on the right | | | | and Collaboration. Litigation involves two attorneys who |
| track. An attorney will enlighten you of the divorce | | | | prepare all the documents, court hearings and |
| process and other immediate options in your state. | | | | negotiate during the whole divorce process. Both |
| Every state offers a divorce law that may be | | | | parties communicate only through the lawyers who |
| different from another state. It will be best that you will | | | | represent them. The Litigation process is usually |
| make a research on the divorce laws implemented on | | | | expensive and is a lengthy process. Mediation, on the |
| your own state. Work closely with the lawyer so that | | | | hand, parties work together with a neutral attorney. |
| you will be able to discuss with him the reasonable | | | | The attorney does not favor any side. The role of the |
| results expected and so that there will be no loser on | | | | lawyer is to only make both parties learn each other's |
| any of the opposite parties. You can also visit your | | | | needs and expectations. The two parties will then be |
| local family department for initial advice and they may | | | | responsible with the process. They can also hire a |
| be able to refer you to some qualified attorneys. | | | | separate lawyer to assess the agreement that was |
| 3. Make a rundown of your financial documents, | | | | made. This procedure has lesser stress and cost. The |
| retirement and financial accounts. You also need to | | | | third path is the Collaboration. With his procedure, the |
| close any joint accounts that you may have with your | | | | both parties will retain their own lawyers. With this |
| spouse. You can divide equally the savings that were | | | | procedure, the lawyers and the couple work together. |
| accumulated during the marriage. Be aware of any | | | | This will reduce the stress, costs and delay. |
| debts regardless if it was paid or incurred. This includes | | | | 8. Seek counseling for emotional help. This will help you |
| house repair expenses, credit cards and other bills. | | | | be enlightened if it is divorce that you really want or |
| Also make a research on the pension plans of your | | | | you are just unhappy with the marriage. Counseling |
| spouse and other savings. | | | | and seeking advice is important to regain your |
| 4. Track the financial support that you give to your | | | | happiness. Make sure that you are prepared to face |
| child. It is recommended that you checks instead of | | | | the process of divorce. Sometimes, divorce may be |
| cash to have written proofs that you are doing your | | | | difficult to handle because of some issues causing |
| responsibility. Maintain the lines of communication with | | | | such decision. You need to be emotionally and |
| your lawyer. You have to disclose to your attorney all | | | | spiritually ready to overcome it. |
| your assets so that he may be able to advise you and | | | | |