Steps to Take Before Divorce

If you are staring down a divorce, it represents a major transition in your life that needs to be addressed head on. While your divorce will be singular to you and the unique circumstances involved, there are several steps you can take to help you remain on track – while protecting your parental and financial rights throughout the legal process. And one of the most important is working closely with an experienced Oak Brook divorce attorney from the outset. 

Be Sure

Divorce amounts to the dissolution of a contract (yes, your marriage is a contract), and while this sounds quite dry, there is also a considerable emotional component. Before you barrel forward with a divorce, it’s important to be sure that divorce is the right answer for you. If your marriage has the potential to be saved, there are better options available, such as marital counseling, but if you have done the soul searching and determined that you need a divorce, it’s time to move in that direction.   Even if you are not sure, it’s wise to consult with a divorce attorney to learn about your divorce options.

Find a Divorce Attorney Who Makes You Feel Comfortable

Divorce typically amounts to an emotional rollercoaster with a lot of challenging legal matters thrown in, and making your way to the other side can be exceptionally difficult without the skilled legal counsel of a dedicated divorce attorney with whom you are comfortable sharing some of life’s most personal matters. If you feel a disconnect with a potential divorce attorney – or don’t feel comfortable opening up – it’s time to keep looking. 

Gather Documentation

Divorce breaks down into terms that address your financial rights, including the division of your marital property,  and terms that address your parental rights (or parental responsibilities), and in order to protect your financial rights, you’ll need to gather a considerable amount of documentation. While there are legal mechanisms in place to help ensure that you have access to this critical information, gathering as much of it as you can early on in the process is going to serve you well. The kind of documentation you’re going for includes:

• Your mortgage
• You and your divorcing spouse’s pay stubs
• Credit card bills
• Loan information
• The building blocks of your financial portfolio, including all stocks and bonds
• Retirement accounts
• Life insurance policies
• Deeds and/or titles for major assets, including vehicles and properties
• Documentation related to business ownership 

Set Your Priorities

Divorce amounts to finding common ground (as it relates to your divorce terms) with your soon-to-be ex that you are both willing to sign off on. The fact is that you will both need to make concessions. However, when you go into negotiations with clear priorities, it can afford you far more leverage. 

Reach out to an Experienced Oak Brook Divorce Attorney for the Help You Need

Taking the time to prepare for your upcoming divorce can help you better position yourself to successfully tackle the challenges that await you. Cameron H. Goodman at Goodman Law Firm is an accomplished Oak Brook divorce attorney who has the experience, legal insight, and fierce drive you are looking for. To learn more, please don’t wait to contact us today.