How To Prepare For Your Divorce in Michigan

So you’ve decided to get divorced. But what’s next? What should your first move be?

 

Making the decision to end your marriage, whether you and your spouse came to this conclusion together or you decided alone, is a very emotional choice. However, now that you’ve made the choice, you have a lot of work to do. But what work? What comes next? How do you get prepared for a divorce?

 

The process can seem very overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With good advice and the right help, you can be on your way to a happier and brighter future in no time. So let’s take a look at what’s on your plate in the near future…

 

  1. If your spouse doesn’t know, you need to tell them

If you and your spouse came to the decision to terminate your marriage together, then obviously you can skip this step. However, if they don’t know what you’re planning, you need to tell them. It will likely be a very hard conversation, but since there isn’t a way to get divorced without them knowing about it, you really can’t avoid it. So the sooner you get it over with, the better!

 

However, as Attorney Brandy Thompson points out, “If you’re concerned that your spouse may react violently, or if there’s a past history of abuse, it would be best to remove yourself from the situation prior to making your spouse aware of the pending divorce.” So if you’re concerned about your spouse’s reaction, and believe you may be in danger, only share the news once you and your children are safe.

 

  1. Figure out the immediate details

This doesn’t mean you need to sit down and decide who gets the house and who gets Aunt Ethel’s china. Immediate concerns are the ones that pertain to your life right now, like how you want to handle telling your children, and whether or not one of you is going to move out of the house during the divorce process.

 

  1. Tell your children

The sooner you tell your children, the sooner they can start processing the change and adjusting to what’s happening. We know that this is one of the hardest parts, but just like with your spouse, you can’t go through with a divorce without telling them. So take a deep breath, and share the news as kindly and lovingly as possible. And don’t forget to reassure them that you love them!

 

  1. Gather all of the information you might need

You are going to need all kinds of documents and information during your divorce process. Bank statements, birth certificates, mortgage paperwork, tax returns and insurance policies are just the tip of the iceberg. You’re going to need all sorts of documentation pertaining to your finances, your assets, your identity, and your bills, among other things. The sooner start compiling everything you might need, the sooner you can move forward with the divorce.

 

  1. Call an attorney

While it is entirely possible to get divorced without the assistance of an attorney, there are many situations where it isn’t the right choice. If your spouse has hired an attorney, then you should DEFINITELY do so as well! Also, if you and your spouse are at odds about how the divorce should be handled, or what is a fair division of assets or custody, then you’re going to need an attorney!

 

  1. Figure out a budget

Now that you and your spouse are splitting up, your financial situation is going to change. You are going to have to learn to live with different financial constraints, and different parameters. You will need to work out a budget that suits your new life, and stick to it. Keep track of all of your expenses, and try to figure out what you should keep, and what needs to go. The sooner you start preparing, the easier this transition will be.

 

  1. Make a plan for your future

Your life is changing. Everything will be different in the future. But if you want to land on your feet and not just get swept along in the undertow, you need to make a plan. Figure out what you want to do moving forward, and then decide how you want to achieve those goals. Going back to school? Getting a different job? Buying a new house? Decide what you want to do, and then go do it!

 

Do you need help from a Michigan divorce attorney?

Preparing for and going through with a divorce can be a complex and overwhelming process. There is a lot to do and know and plan for. A skilled Michigan family law attorney can help you with all of those challenges, along with fighting for your best interests and making sure that you’re properly represented. Call The Kronzek Firm at 866 766 5245. We’re here for you!

 


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