How to Prepare for Divorce

Couples who marry today have a roughly 40 to 50 percent chance of getting divorced, (for first marriages) so while divorce seems like something that happens to other people, many who are married may face it at some point. While going through a divorce is usually more traumatic than you think it will be and will take longer than you ever thought it would, if you have come to that point where divorce is inevitable there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.

As family law and divorce attorneys, it is helpful to us when clients come in prepared. It will save time for both of us, and if you do something that saves us time, it saves you money in the long run. It will make things easier for both of us if all of our clients came prepared in these areas:

Financially.

• Take an inventory of your personal (non-marital) property.
• Check your credit report.
• Open a new bank account with checking and savings in your name only.
• Open a new credit card in your name.
• Prepare to update your will and beneficiaries on insurance policies and retirement accounts when the divorce is final.
• Get clear about your marital debt. Know who owes what and how much.

Mentally.

Decide on what you really want from the divorce and what you are willing to compromise on. Prepare yourself mentally for the chaos and the stress of the divorce. Work with your divorce attorney to develop a plan for your new life post-divorce.

Emotionally.

Divorce can be rough on people, especially those who might have been blindsided by the news or who really do not want to get a divorce. You might want to find someone who will be available to you to vent when you get frustrated, sad, confused, betrayed and filled with rage about the divorce, and who will be there to support you in the challenging days ahead. Having someone to work out these difficult emotions with may keep you from allowing heightened emotions from clouding your judgement. Your divorce attorney is not your therapist, so be mindful that when you spend her time venting, that adds to your legal bills.

Physically.      

Do not stop going to the gym. Get as much sleep as you can and maintain a healthy diet. Sticking to your normal routines as much as possible and getting your workouts in will help manage the sudden spikes in your stress levels during the divorce.

Finally, put some time and effort into finding the best Franklin divorce attorney you can. A good attorney will make all of the difference in the outcome of your divorce. While this might be your first divorce, they have guided countless people before you through the process of ending a marriage and putting their new lives together for a more positive future.

The Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates can guide you and represent you as you go through the divorce process. Our experienced divorce attorneys in Franklin, Columbia and Brentwood have the skills and resources to help you when it is time to move on with your life. To meet with one of our lawyers, please call 615-977-9370 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consul