Before you move forward with your divorce in earnest, there are a number of things you need to think about. This is generally referred to as a “pre-divorce checklist.” While many divorces in Georgia are totally unforeseeable, you can still take the time to make sure everything is in order before the legal process begins. By going through these steps, you can approach your divorce in with confidence.
If you are not sure about what steps you need to take before your divorce, consult with a qualified, experienced family law attorney in Georgia. You will need help from our legal professionals once your divorce begins, so it makes sense to get in touch with a divorce attorney as soon as possible. During your initial consultation, we can go through the various pre-divorce steps you need to consider. After your pre-divorce checklist is complete, we can then guide you forward through the entire process.
Assess What Happened During Your Marriage
The first thing you should do is to take a second to sit down and think about what actually happened during your marriage. In many cases, this process might take a lot of consideration, as your marriage may have lasted for multiple decades. Were there instances of marital misconduct? How did your spouse treat you during the marriage? Why did the marriage end? These considerations are important because they may affect how your divorce is assessed by the family court.
Prepare for a More Independent Future
You will also need to start thinking more independently as soon as possible. For example, your need to immediately set up new bank accounts and credit cards under your name. In addition, you may want to start collecting financial documents in preparation for your impending divorce. These documents may include tax returns, copies of deeds, credit card statements, estate planning documents, and even police reports. These documents may be much more difficult to obtain once the divorce actually begins.
Think About How You are Going to Break The News to Your Children
There is no getting around it. Your children will be affected by the divorce. However, you may be able to make it easier for them by approaching the subject in a very delicate, thoughtful manner. Take a moment to consider how you are going to break the news to your children and make sure that they do not find out in a way that may be detrimental to them.
Get a Temporary Protective Order if Necessary
You may also need to get a temporary protective order if your spouse is a danger to you and your children. The good news is that you can get a TPO quickly, and you can take this step before your divorce even begins.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney
The last step is perhaps the most important. In order to deal with your divorce in an effective manner, you will need help from a legal professional. Reach out to Lankford & Moore Law at your earliest convenience, and you can immediately start to develop a plan for the future. We know exactly what you need to do during these initial stages, and we can guide you forwards while helping you feel more confident about this difficult, confusing time. Book your consultation today.
