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The New Year symbolizes a fresh start. For people in unhappy or unhealthy marriages, this could be the catalyst needed to finally go through with divorce. If this is true for you, here’s what you should do before bringing up the subject of ending your marriage to your spouse.
Speak with an Attorney
If you’ve never gone through a divorce before, the process is likely quite foreign to you. The first step you should take once you have decided you want a divorce is to contact an attorney. It may take time to find the right attorney for you. The divorce process is personal and difficult, and you want to make sure the attorney you hire is someone you connect with, who you trust, and who has experience handling similar cases.
Here are some tips for finding a family law attorney:
- Set up consultations
- Ask friends and family for insight or recommendations
- Read online reviews
- Know their costs and your budget
It’s important to speak with an attorney before bringing up divorce to your spouse so they can ensure you are in the best, safest position possible. This is especially important if there is a history of violence and abuse in your marriage.
Litigation versus Mediation
You’ll want to do your research about the divorce process before getting started. A key component of this is understanding the difference between traditional litigation and private mediation.
Mediation involves a third-party mediator who helps you and your spouse negotiate aspects of your divorce. The goal is to make your divorce a collaborative process in which you communicate respectfully and make mutually beneficial agreements.
If you know that you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye or will have a contested divorce, litigation is probably the right option for you. Again, this is something to discuss with your attorney in further detail. They will be able to provide valuable guidance based on their past experience and understanding of your case.
Save Money
You will want to have financial security while you go through your divorce. A divorce can become expensive, especially if you are going the route of traditional litigation. Save up as much money as you can in the time before starting the divorce process.
Organize Paperwork
Take time to collect important documents related to your individual finances, shared finances, debts, and any other assets that could be involved in your divorce.
Bellevue, Nebraska Divorce Attorneys
Sometimes, taking the first step can be the hardest part. At Reagan, Melton & Delaney, L.L.P., our skilled attorneys can help you through the process of divorce litigation or mediation.
To get started, set up a consultation today by clicking here or giving our team a call at (402) 226-1899.