One of the most uncertain times in life is deciding to get a divorce and end a marriage. The list of items that must be done to effectuate this is lengthy and runs from locating tax returns to potentially finding a place to live. During this time, it is also easy to feel overwhelmed by everything and anything. This blog provides three key steps to make and/or gather for a smooth divorce—so you can focus concern with productive actions.
The first is to get a realistic financial picture of where the marriage estate stands. Ordinarily, if you gather tax returns and obtain your credit report this will provide your attorney with the basic tools to do this. In addition, appraisal of real property or significant personal property can frame the net marital estate. It is also helpful to consult a financial planner at this time to assess potential post-marriage scenarios as well as a CPA.
The second step is to find a more or less support person or group. Divorce raises a host of emotional and social issues that are not necessarily addressed by your attorney—such as who “gets which friends.” Yes friends pick sides and sometimes this heartache or separation from a family pet creates extreme upset; and the best divorce litigant is one who can stay focused to help his or attorney work toward legal objectives.
The third consideration is child custody and parenting time. There is a strong trend driving the law that joint parenting or equal time is in the children’s best interests. Coming to terms with what is in the children’s best interests versus personal desire for sole custody (if that is the case). Without focus on this a tremendous amount of time and delay can occur; historically family law attorneys and judges observe that parents who are still upset by the divorce have not thought through this in terms of how custody would work and what the children need.
These three concepts are significant to moving a divorce along as smoothly as possible. We hope this blog post helps you if this is your situation or someone you know. This is written for general educational purposes and is not intended as legal advice or a solicitation for services. Dixon & Moseley, P.C. attorneys handle domestic cases of all types throughout the state and appeals to all Indiana courts.
