Just because you’ve decided in favor of divorce doesn’t mean it won’t impact your life. It’s important to understand what you’re getting into, as that allows you to prepare accordingly.
While no two people are the same, here are five concerns that most have when going through divorce:
- Finances: Your finances will change in many ways after divorce. For example, if you didn’t work while you were married, you may need to secure a job to provide for yourself.
- Your home: Maybe you’ll fight to keep your family home in divorce. Or maybe you’re okay with your ex-spouse maintaining ownership, as long as you receive assets of equal value in return. Regardless, you need to plan for where you’ll live in the future.
- Asset division: You want to receive your fair share of assets in your divorce. This includes everything from the family home to bank accounts to personal property (and that’s just the start).
- Debt division: Just the same as asset division, debt division will be on your mind. Understanding the difference between marital and separate debt can help protect your legal rights.
- Child custody and child support: If you have children with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, you’re likely to have concerns about both child custody and child support. For example, you may feel that it’s in the best interest of your children if you have full physical custody. Furthermore, you may feel that your ex should pay you child support. There’s a good chance of disagreement when it comes to custody and support, so prepare for everything that could happen.
While these are among the most common concerns of anyone going through divorce, there’s likely to be other things on your mind. The more you think about and plan for up front, the better off you’ll be as the divorce process begins.
Even though it’s your intention, know that you’re not going to get everything in your divorce. There are sure to be situations that don’t work in your favor. But as long as you understand your legal rights and protect them, you will feel satisfaction when your marriage is finally in the past.
