Coming to terms with an impending divorce is not easy. It raises a lot of questions, such as “Where do I go from here?,” and “What is at stake other than my marriage?” The divorce process inevitably takes a huge emotional toll, but it can also cost you financially. It’s important to focus on how you can protect yourself by adequately preparing yourself for the divorce process. Ultimately, the decisions you make now can end up saving you considerable amounts of time, money, and hardship. Here are a few things to keep in mind early on in your divorce:
Finances
A marriage is akin to a financial contract. When you said “I do” and your marriage license was granted, you entered a legal agreement with your spouse. In order to protect your financial future it is important that you organize your finances and know exactly what is at stake.
During the divorce process big decisions will be made regarding the division of your join assets, child support payments, alimony, and the division of debts. Make sure that you carefully catalog your financial statements, such as bank accounts, tax returns, and vehicle titles. Also, don’t forget your various debts, such as mortgages, loans, and credit card statements. Knowing exactly what you owe and what you own can save you from major hassles down the road.
Mediation
You might want to consider seeking out a mediator to help you through the divorce process. Any decisions that can be amicably agreed upon with your spouse will avoid an undesirable decision from the court. Things like child custody, alimony payments, and asset division are all things that will be determined by the court unless you can come to a decision together.
Additionally, a mediator can help avoid putting stress on your children. If you and your spouse are arguing, or worse, not on speaking terms, it can create a difficult environment for young children. Instead of causing them unnecessary heartache, you can keep your arguments out of the home and with the professional assistance of a divorce mediator you can, hopefully, come to some mutual understanding.
Consult a Professional
The importance of seeking the counsel of a qualified attorney cannot be understated. The sooner you have a professional divorce attorney representing you, the more favorable of an outcome you can expect from your divorce. Divorce attorneys can guide you through each step of the divorce process and help you avoid any mistakes you might make along the way.
The decisions that are made during the divorce process will affect the rest of your life. There is no reason to take any chances with your future when you can hire an attorney now. If you’re looking for the best divorce attorneys in Michigan, look no further than the offices of Bailey, Smith, Bailey, P.C. We specialize in helping men get the results they need. Contact us today, consultations are always free!