How to Prepare for a Divorce While Married
Whether you and your spouse have mutually decided to file for an uncontested divorce, or whether you have been thinking about filing without discussing it with your spouse, it is important to seriously weigh your options prior to taking the first steps towards ending your marriage. Not only do you need to be absolutely sure that filing for divorce is the best course of action, but you also need to make certain that all of your personal, financial, and family needs will be met in the aftermath. In order to avoid any bad surprises after filing for a divorce, it is a good idea to make sure you have prepared yourself, both emotionally and legally, for the end of your marriage. Here are a few steps to take to prepare for a divorce while you are still married. This can ensure that your divorce process will go as smoothly as possible.
Find a Divorce Attorney
If you have been thinking about getting divorced for a while, it is possible that you have begun looking for a divorce attorney in DC, to determine which law firm will best represent you in court. Finding the right divorce attorney is essential- not only do you want a lawyer with a good deal of experience in divorce and family law, but you also want an attorney who will provide you with compassion, understanding, and guidance. After all, divorce can be an emotionally draining experience, and it’s best to find a lawyer with a reassuring, comforting personality.
Check State Divorce Regulations
While your divorce attorney is going to be doing all the heavy lifting in terms of filing divorce paperwork, gathering supporting documentation, and preparing the divorce agreement, it is never a bad idea to come to the table with information about divorce law in your state. By knowing and understanding the process of marriage dissolution in Washington D.C., you can have realistic expectations about the timeline you’re looking at, as well as certain obstacles you may have to overcome in your particular situation. Being informed at the beginning of the process will help you decide whether you are ready to go forward with your divorce, as well as what is expected of you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse as the proceedings move forward.
Talk To Your Spouse
This may be the most difficult step for many people to take, but it is one of the most important. Odds are that your spouse is well aware of your desire to file for your divorce, and may be in agreement that ending your marriage is best for both of you. But on the off chance that your spouse is completely in the dark about your wish to file for divorce, it is a good idea to have a conversation about it prior to taking any further action. Of course, there are exceptions- for example, if you are in a marriage where domestic abuse or another harmful situation is a factor, it may not be wise to bring up the subject of divorce without first consulting a divorce attorney.
Regardless of whether you and your spouse are in agreement about filing for divorce, it is necessary to try to remain on civil terms during your divorce proceedings. Not only will this prove more beneficial for you when it comes time to negotiate a fair settlement, but it can help any children you may have make a smoother transition and make the process less traumatic for everyone involved. Keep in mind that the more you and your soon-to-be ex are willing to communicate and compromise on the terms of your divorce agreement, the sooner you will be able to finalize your divorce and move onto the next chapter of your lives.
Experienced Divorce Attorney in DC
Barkat Law is Washington D.C.’s divorce and family law expert. We understand how emotionally taxing it can be to become involved in a family dispute, and we strive to make the divorce process as agreeable and painless as possible. We are here to help you end your marriage in a mutually beneficial way that is fair for both parties involved. Contact us today at 202-276-1167 to request your initial consultation.
