The decision to end your marriage can be a painful one to make. By the time you decide to file for a divorce, you might be ready to start the process right away. However, before you officially file for a divorce, it is a good idea to use the following tips to ensure that you do what is best for you and your family both now and after the divorce is finalized.
See a Therapist
You might have tried many times to convince your spouse to see a professional counselor, and they may have refused. However, that doesn't mean that counseling will not be beneficial for you if you decide to go on your own.
Seeing a professional therapist can help you in a number of ways. They can help you sort out your feelings so that you know whether a divorce is what you really want to happen or whether you just want things in your marriage to change. They can also give you techniques and skills that will help you to handle stress during your divorce, if that is what you ultimately choose.
Come Up with a New Budget
Whether you plan to collect alimony and child support or will have to pay it, your financial situation is likely to change in some way when you get a divorce. To make sure that your post-divorce financial life is taken care of, it's a good idea to sit down and figure out a new budget that includes living costs and spending money.
You might not know the exact amount of money you will get or need to pay after the divorce proceedings, so plan for a worst case scenario. That way, you can then start planning how you'll make ends meet. For instance, you might decide to start looking for a better paying job now.
Keep Track of What You Do for the Kids
If you are like many people, you have children and will need to work out a custody agreement with your spouse. If you plan to seek primary custody or sole custody, you will have to prove that you provide most of the care to your kids.
That's why it's a smart idea to start keeping track of everything you do with your children. Are you always taking them to track meets, clubs and doctor appointments? Do you buy their school clothes and shop at the grocery store for the family? Keep a journal and make a notation about what you're doing each day. Over time, you'll compile substantial evidence to show that you are essential to your kids on a daily basis.
Use the information laid out in this article to help you prepare yourself for your divorce and your life afterwards. Talk with your divorce lawyer about more ways to ensure that you do everything properly.
To learn more about divorces, contact a law firm like McKissick & McKissick.