Are you considering a divorce? If so, you already know that it is not easy. Before filing for divorce, it is important to have an exit plan in mind. Pre-divorce planning is crucial, and it involves meticulous preparation and financial strategies. It involves thinking about the children and how you will care for them after your separation. Yet, life after divorce does not have to be difficult. Our San Jose divorce lawyer can help you prepare for a divorce in California.
Preparing for a Divorce in California
When preparing for a divorce, it is important to consider many different aspects. With a little preparation and hard work, you can make the divorce process easier.
Finances
One of the scariest parts of getting divorced is figuring out how you can support yourself. As such, pre-divorce financial planning is a must. Do not plan on spousal support or child support to pay most of your expenses.
Evaluate your financial situation and the expenses surrounding your new cost of living. A financial advisor and a divorce lawyer can help you plan for the financial aspects of life after divorce.
Career
If you do not already work outside of the home, make a plan for how you will earn money after your divorce. Before getting a divorce, you may want to consider going back to school or looking for a job. If you already have a job, you may also consider career counseling or job training to enhance your current salary.
Paperwork
Getting divorced involves compiling a lot of paperwork and statements. Prepare copies of the most recent financial records and assets. This will make the divorce process smoother in the long run. It may also prevent specific statements from going missing. Before your divorce, gather the following documents:
- Bank statements
- Credit card statements
- Investment account records
- Retirement account statements
- Loan applications
- Last three to five years of tax returns
- W2 copies
- Property tax bills
- Mortgage statements
- Credit reports
Support
Going through a divorce is emotionally draining and difficult. The process can bring up many unwanted negative emotions and feelings. Before beginning the process, it is a good idea to develop a strong and solid support system. Consider going to see a professional counselor so you can begin processing these feelings and emotions as they arise. Surround yourself with family and friends who love you and who can help you through this time.
Children
If you have children, it is important to think about their needs before divorcing. Plan on how you want to continue raising them and how much parental involvement you would like to have.
Make a plan for how you will tell the children about the divorce. Gather support for them as well, such as family therapy. Divorce may mark the end of your family unit as you once knew it. However, it does not signal the end of your family. Reassure your children that their family is changing, but not disappearing.
Contact Our San Jose Divorce Lawyer
If you want a divorce, it is important to plan ahead. There are many things to consider before filing the paperwork, such as finances and parenting time. As such, it is important to talk to an experienced and skilled San Jose divorce lawyer as soon as possible.
At the Law Offices of Thomas Nicholas Cvietkovich, we offer free consultations to help you during this difficult time. Our San Jose divorce lawyer can work with you one-on-one and help answer all of your questions about divorce. We can help you prepare for your new life after divorce. Call us today at (408) 844-4016 or fill out our online contact form.