It’s no surprise many Colorado Springs couples divorce. But, if you are thinking about divorcing your partner soon, do not just dive straight in. There are several things to do before filing for divorce.
Here are five of the most important for you to complete before you take the plunge.
1. Take Some Time Apart Before You File for Divorce
When things are difficult between you and your spouse, it’s tempting to go straight for a divorce. Yet, it’s often wise to spend a little time apart before you get an attorney.
When you spend time away from each other, you’ll have the chance to sort out your emotions. You’ll be able to clear your mind and see things more objectively.
Many Colorado Springs couples find that, after taking time out from the relationship, they’ve changed their minds about separating. Others, meanwhile, find that it cements their decision to split.
If you have a trial separation, you may get a little clarity on what you really want. The trial separation may save you the cost, hassle, and stress of filing for a divorce but regretting it afterward.
2. Before Filing for Divorce Everyone Should Try Counseling
Some couples think they want to divorce, but counseling could help them to get over their rough patches. Often, simply talking over the issues with a trained marriage counselor can save a marriage. Counseling will enable both of you to work out what has gone wrong in your relationship. It will also help you to determine whether you can resolve the issues. After talking to your counselor, you can decide whether divorce is the best option for you both.
3. Consider Your Children’s Interests
Putting your kids first is one of the biggest things to do before filing for divorce. If you have children, you’ll need to think about who will have custody of them. Will there be joint custody? You’ll need to track how much time you and your spouse spend with your children.
Increasing numbers of divorce cases end with shared custody. It’s vital to go into a child custody legal situation with realistic expectations. Don’t try to hurt your former partner, whether in terms of money or custody. It’s more important to consider your children’s best interests when moving forward with a divorce.
4. Seek Help from A Divorce Attorney
You will not have to hire a divorce attorney to work on your behalf immediately. However, seeking some free divorce advice from a Colorado Springs family lawyer will help at this stage.
An experienced divorce attorney can give you all the information you need to make an informed decision before filing for divorce. He or she will be able to outline the process of getting divorced and explain the different stages to you.
A divorce lawyer will also be able to offer advice about what you need to do if you decide to file. When you seek advice at an early stage, you’ll be in the best position to make informed choices. You’ll have a better idea of what to expect from the process, and you’ll be better prepared. You’ll also want to talk to your attorney about spousal privilege and what that could mean for you in the event of a divorce.
5. Divide Your Assets
The division of assets is one of the most important elements of any divorce settlement. Spouses can divide their assets and assign specific items to both spouses. If one partner ends up with more, payment may be possible to equalize matters. Alternatively, spouses can sell any property and split the proceeds.
The process of separating the property and assets a couple acquired during their marriage can be emotionally draining. If you can’t reach an agreement regarding the division of assets with your former spouse, the Colorado Springs courts will do it for you.
The Colorado law governing property division in Colorado is often complicated and disputes over assets can be contentious, requiring a Colorado Springs asset protection attorney who fully understands the law that determines who gets what when a marriage ends.
Spouses may also choose to continue to own property together. Some people don’t like this option since they’ll have to maintain contact with each other. However, it is not uncommon in Colorado Springs for divorcing couples to agree that they’ll retain the family property until their children are grown.
Preparing for Your Divorce
If you’re considering ending your marriage, the above five things to do before filing for divorce will help prepare you.
Getting divorced is never going to be an easy experience. It can be a taxing and long process. Therefore, you need to ensure that you’ve taken steps to be as prepared as you can.
Free Consultation with a Divorce Attorney
Although the advice in this post may get you started thinking and preparing for the divorce process, it probably doesn’t address all your questions. The team here at Perkins Law is ready to offer you all the advice and information you need.
Contact us today to arrange an appointment or to ask any questions you may have about getting divorced. We’re on hand to make the process as stress-free and simple as possible.
(719) 300-5300
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