Three Things to Consider When Going Through the Divorce Process
If you are considering divorce or you have been served with papers requesting divorce from your spouse, it is important not to panic. There are many important decisions to be made and they need to be rational and well thought out. Transitioning from marriage to divorce is challenging, but it is easier if you have the information and support you need.
What are three of the most important things you should consider as you approach divorce?
1. Your Children
Your children are your most important priority in your divorce. The decisions you and your spouse make affect the lives of your children, so you need to put your own emotions aside and consider how your kids are affected by every choice you make. Decisions about child custody and visitation must be made in the best interest of your children.
Unfortunately, there are many instances in which parents use their children against one another. They are resentful of their spouse’s mistakes or decisions and they know using their children as a tool is an effective way to inflict emotional pain on the person who hurt them. Sadly, this also hurts the children.
Put aside your pain for the time being and focus on what is best for your kids. Their safety, as well as their emotional and mental health, should be your most important priority. You can hash out your differences with your spouse in other ways, but decisions about your children must be made in their best interest.
2. Your Finances
This is often the first thing people think about when faced with divorce. They panic about issues concerning spousal maintenance and alimony, when in reality most states have guidelines in place to ensure financial arrangements are fair.
That said it is still important to protect your assets. Divorce will have a major impact on your finances and could be a matter of contention during the divorce proceedings. If your priority is to create a fair arrangement that takes into consideration your situation, as well as your soon-to-be-former spouse’s, odds of reaching an agreement without a long battle are increased.
3. Your Future
Your journey to divorce might seem never-ending while it is in motion, but rest assured, your marriage will eventually be over. As exhausting as divorce can be, you will ultimately embark on a new life as a divorced person. This will include making decisions on your own and learning new ways to relate to your former spouse, especially if you share children. It is important to give yourself time to heal, but also develop a healthy outlook on your future.
Is your marriage no longer something of which you wish to be a part? Are you considering divorce? Michele Cline can help you through this difficult transition and ensure your children are protected when they need it most. Contact her to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.