When your marriage has reached the point that divorce seems to be your only option, you may assume that you are in for a long and grueling process. The reality, however, is that while divorce is rarely easy, it does not need to be so bad. There are, in fact, a number of things you can do to help facilitate a faster, less stressful divorce, and you can start right away, even if you are months from filing any official paperwork.
Know What You Have
The first thing you should in preparation for your divorce is to compile an organized list of all of your assets and debts. Include everything that you can possibly think of, even if it seems superfluous. Do not limit your inventory just to property that you assume to be marital property; write down the things that yours as well as those that belong to your spouse. As you make your list, try to remember when each asset or debt was acquired and locate receipts, warranties, statements, or other proof if possible.
During this stage, you may also start setting aside a reasonable amount of money for costs associated with your divorce. Be sure to keep a careful record of such savings and expenses, however, as your spouse could allege undocumented spending to be dissipation later in the proceedings.
Know What You Want
As your divorce moves forward, you and your spouse will need to divide your marital property between you, decide on issues like maintenance, and make arrangements for your children. Before the proceedings begin, you should have an idea of what you hope to get in your divorce settlement. Will you ask for maintenance (alimony)? Do you want primary residential responsibilities for your children? Is keeping the marital home important to you? While there are no wrong answers to any of these questions, you should go into the process with an idea of what your ideal outcome would be.
Be Ready to Compromise
There is a good chance that what you hope to get out of your divorce will conflict, at least in part, with what your spouse hopes to get. To reach a workable settlement, you will need to negotiate and be willing to compromise. Most couples are able to work out their differences through mediation or other out-of-court alternatives, and a willingness to reach an agreement efficiently while limiting stress will go a long way toward promoting a resolution.
Work With a Qualified Lawyer
If divorce is on the horizon for you and your spouse, an experienced Kane County divorce attorney can help you prepare for the proceedings. Call 847-426-1866 or 630-945-8807 to schedule a confidential consultation at Pucci | Pirtle, LLC today. We will provide the guidance you need and the quality representation you deserve.
Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/debbie-martinez/a-divorce-inventory-list_b_8330590.html
