Wondering how to file for divorce? The divorce process can be confusing and complex if you haven’t divorced before. It is important you hire an experienced divorce attorney to represent you and help you navigate the process.
At Herlihy Family Law, we have over 12 years of experience and helped thousands successfully file for divorce. Watch the video below to learn more about where you can begin.
We all know that divorces can become very ugly, very fast. It is not in your best interest to have your head in the clouds when your spouse is thinking strategically.
Top Ten Ways to Prepare for Divorce:
Hire an Attorney Immediately!
Gather Copies of Records and Crucial Documents
Have Access to Your Own Money
Be Aware of Outstanding Bills and Debts
Keep a Daily Journal/Calendar of Significant Events
Change Passwords to All Online Accounts (email, banking, Facebook, etc.)
Do NOT Say, Text, Email, or Post on Facebook Anything that You Do Not Want Your Divorce Judge or the Police to Hear
Prepare to Be Treated Like the Enemy by Your Spouse
Keep Track of All Mail Coming to Your House
Do NOT Involve Your Children in Adult Problems
**The above list is for educational purposes only and is not meant to provide legal advice. Every case is different, and it is essential to seek legal advice immediately.**
Divorce can be a difficult situation for all parties involved, especially the children. Many children are confused about the situation and do not understand why their parents are separating.
Although this can be difficult, talking with children is a crucial part of the puzzle when you are dealing with a divorce. Parents often put off talking to their children about divorce because they are unsure how to explain such a complex situation. But a delay in talking with your children can actually make the divorce more difficult for the children in the long run.
When children are suddenly surprised with the divorce of their parents, they go through a great deal of emotions. Many feel as if it is their fault that their parents are separating, while many begin acting out and become angry with others. This is another reason why explaining to your children why you and your spouse are divorcing is very important.
To help you make this process easier, here are six strategies for talking with your kids about divorce. While it may seem beyond your capabilities, just remember that there are ways to make it easier on both yourself and your children.
Talk to your children with your spouse, if possible. If you present a united front to your children, they may not be as confused about the situation.
Carefully, and appropriately, explain the reasons for the divorce. Make sure whatever you tell your children is appropriate to their age and maturity level.
Make it clear that the divorce is not the child’s fault. Many children struggle with guilt during their parent’s separation. Be sure to reiterate that this is not their fault.
Maintain eye contact and a calm attitude. In order for your children to believe the situation, you must remain calm and truthful. If you begin to get angry, the child may become angry and upset as well.
Avoid blaming your spouse. Although you will have personal issues with your spouse, they are still the child’s parent. Do not put down your spouse to the child. This will only create more stress on the child, making them feel like they should have to pick sides when they should not.
Allow plenty of time for children to ask questions. They will have many questions as to why this is happening and what is going to happen in the future, and they deserve to have those questions answered to your fullest abilities.
Remember, every family is different. Talking about your divorce with your children can be difficult, but will be a critical step forward in the healing process.
Divorce and the Family Business: What happens to the Family Business when you get divorced?
The business you and your spouse co-founded and run together is thriving. Your marriage? That’s another matter. Many people put off filing in situations like this because they fear that it will soon mean the end of the company. It does not have to be that way, especially if your lawyer is sensitive to the fact that the two still need to cooperate and that it will take a quite careful approach in figuring out severing some financial ties, but also having to keep the business alive.
A Census Bureau estimate from 2007 found that nearly 4 million businesses in the U.S. are operated by husband and wife. With a 50% divorce rate, divorce clearly affects a lot of small businesses. Overall, there is no question that it can be a very difficult situation involving two people. Though it may initially seem like a battle, it can work if you work together. Research says that it all depends on the individual couple, but also how the company runs and the skills of your divorce attorneys.
Some things to keep in mind:
Respect each other- this can be hard, especially if the reasons for the split were particularly painful. In some cases, if there isn’t any trust left between the two then there isn’t any respect, and it is probably be best to cut off communication.
Know when to get help- Unlike a lot of separated couples, the ones that operate a business together have to see each other a lot, even after the divorce is finalized.
Create agreement-This is a very important legal step that many couples haven’t though out when they found the business together. The agreement explains what will occur in the event someone wants to sell.
Sit down and discuss the situation with your employees- They will know what is happening, and what you don’t want to happen is for them to choose whose side to be on. Choosing sides can always slow the process down so its always in each party’s best interest to try to get along.
Divorce brings with it many negative emotions. Many of these emotions usually cause stress that will interfere in our ability to function from day to day. Research says that the biggest favor you can do yourself is to learn how to relax. You just need to let go of the stress and let everything fall into place. Focus more on keeping yourself active, healthy and moving forward instead of staying stuck. Below are 5 tips that will help deal with divorce stress.
Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Divorce Stress
1. Make sure you pay attention to your personal needs
It’s always best to find a group, close friend or someone that you can talk to about everyday problems. It’s healthy to be able to do that and let go of certain negative feelings.
2.Keep yourself physically fit
Being active is a good way to reduce stress. Whether its yoga, spin class, boxing, any type of exercise will help reduce stress and let out built up anger. It will also though make you feel better about yourself anyways.
3. Make time for some fun
Regarding any situation that someone is in, there should always be time for fun. Going out with friends, family, whoever will always make you happy. Everyone deserves to have fun and let go of what has held them back enjoying life.
4.Change any expectations you have
Let go of what you feel the outcome should be and learn to accept what could possibly happen. Overall just let go of feeling like you can control every aspect of the situation.
5. Let go and move on
Take the time needed to heal from the divorce and all feelings that are still around. Its important to take that time to heal so when you are ready to move on everything is behind and you are ready to start that new journey in your life.
