My Spouse Just Asked for a Divorce- What Do I Do Now?

My Spouse Just Asked for a Divorce- What Do I Do Now?

If your spouse just asked for a divorce, you are probably feeling lost and scared. Here are some steps to get you through one of life’s most stressful situations.

Ask Your Partner If Divorce is Really the Answer

Why do they want a divorce? How did it get to this point? Could counseling work? Is there a chance of reconciliation? Do they want to see you change and admit mistakes? An important step in the divorce process is being sure that divorce is the answer.

Get Empowered

When people are facing a divorce, they go through feeling scared, sad, and shocked. Try to see this as an opportunity for a fresh start in life. You need to realize that divorce does not mean you have failed. Instead of ruminating about why the marriage did not work, focus on what you want to get out of the divorce. Next, you need to let go of blame. Fighting with your partner or retaliating against them will certainly leave you in a worse place emotionally and financially.

Get Educated

Learn all you can about the divorce laws in your state. Will your property be divided 50/50 or equitably? Do you have a prenuptial agreement? How do you plan to handle custody matters?

The three main topics of divorce are generally child custody, property division, and spousal support. Make a plan and list out your most important goals.

Find a Good Lawyer

Find an experienced attorney who will put your financial and personal interests first. Do not use the same attorney you share with your partner. Ask about the attorney’s detailed fees for services and make sure you feel comfortable with them.

Your divorce lawyer should know how to safeguard your assets, and, ideally, they should also have contacts in tax law, real estate law, and business law. Try to get referrals for attorneys from your trusted family members, friends, and business associates.

Make an Appointment with a Divorce Attorney

Choosing an attorney to meet with is the most important decision that you need to make. Make this decision as soon as possible so that you can be informed about the divorce process. You need to meet with the lawyer and have a feel for how willing they are to tell you things you do not like to hear, and then decide who to hire. The person you choose must be willing and able to tell you the truth in this emotionally difficult time. If you are not certain about whether you should hire a particular attorney, make another appointment with them, or meet with someone else.

Close Joint Accounts

Consider closing credit accounts that your partner has access to in order to protect your credit rating. The goal is to prevent your partner from making large debts before you finalize the divorce.

With joint credit cards, you are responsible for any debts taken on by your partner, and if they can’t pay the debts, you may be held accountable.

Keep Your Children Away

You do not want to have your children around when you are hanging around a courthouse, fighting with your spouse, or sitting in your lawyer’s office having conversations that are only meant for adults.

Takeaway

If divorce is the only option, it is best for you to get educated and empowered and to get a good lawyer. It may be difficult, but you will get through this with the right support.

If you would like to discuss the specifics of your divorce case or need help with other family law issues call Debora A. Diaz Esquire at 727-846-1802 to schedule a consultation or use the Scheduling Link: https://deboradiazlawscheduling.as.me/.  At this time, all consultations are by telephone or video conferencing in order to protect our staff and clients.

Attorney Diaz practices exclusively in divorce and family law in Florida. Debora A. Diaz is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator.

 

Written by Debora A. Diaz, Esq.