The American Psychological Association addresses the fact that divorce is always an emotional and overwhelming time in anyone’s life. During this turbulent season of your life, you may not be thinking or acting clearly. Oftentimes, people rush to divorce without giving careful consideration to several financial, legal, and emotional aspects that may be permanently impacted. Therefore, before you hand over divorce papers to your spouse, consider the following steps to ensure that the process has the possibility to remain amicable and as smooth as possible.

1. Be Certain

Most people will agree that the decision to end a marriage is never an easy one. Once you serve your spouse with divorce papers, you may never have the opportunity to reconcile your marriage. With hurt feelings or even anger, your chance to save a marriage may be forever gone. Make sure to exhaust all options before you serve someone with divorce papers. Consider therapy or counseling. Once the papers are served, there is less of a chance of reconciliation. Divorce is a serious life event, and serious consideration should be taken before making this decision which can affect not only you but your children as well. It is important to note that if you are being threatened or feel that your safety or the safety of your children is an issue, you should leave immediately and call the authorities.

1. Know Your Finances and Your Property

Make sure you know exactly all of your finances before you make the decision to divorce. Know your assets, debts, pension accounts, bank accounts, property, furniture, jewelry, safety deposit box property, and credit cards. A good option is to take pictures of any paintings, furniture or other heirlooms that may be valuable.

If you have sentimental items, consider moving them to a safe place within your home so that your spouse does not destroy them out of spite after divorce papers are served. If you have bank accounts that are separate and your own, consider changing the password. Pictures of physical items can be helpful later in the divorce process.

1. Take Time to Think About Child Custody

You may be frustrated with your spouse, but they are still the parent of your child. The best needs of a child are always considered first in a court of law. Consider what type of child custody arrangement you would be comfortable with prior to filing for divorce. Typically, judges favor joint custody, so trying to keep the relationship amicable through the divorce process is always best for the children.

1. Take Careful Consideration Before Leaving the Marital Home

Obviously, if you are in any kind of danger, you and your children need to leave the marital home. However, absent any danger or threats, leaving the marital home can have very serious implications in your divorce. In fact, leaving the marital home can be a major hurdle to receiving the home as part of your property in a divorce.

Contact an Experienced Divorce Attorney

Above all, if you are considering a divorce, you should know all of your options, rights, and responsibilities before serving divorce papers to your spouse. Visiting with an experienced divorce attorney at The Law Office of Dana Pechersky at 954.529.2057 can help you understand your rights, and help develop a plan for your divorce. Contact us today for a free consultation.