Where to Start with a Divorce
You didn’t get married with the intention of ever getting a divorce. However, divorce happens far more frequently than many people imagine. Even when you go into a marriage and truly believe you will stay until death do you part, the reality of the situation is much different. Sometimes, people grow apart. Sometimes, the relationship turns out to be toxic for one reason or another. Many things could precipitate a divorce. It happens, and you aren’t alone. Countless others have gone through it before you.
Getting a divorce is hard on everyone involved. This includes more than just the spouses and the children. It also includes other family members that will be affected by the divorce. After all, it could impact the amount of time that grandparents or aunts, and uncles get to see the kids. Big changes are happening. However, it’s something that you can get through.
Of course, it doesn’t always feel like that when you are the one in the midst of a relationship that is breaking apart. Whether you are the one who initiated the divorce or you received papers from your partner that they want the divorce, it’s a lot to handle. It can feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Therefore, you need to have an idea of how you should start with a divorce.
What Do You Do First?
Some feel that they can act as their own representative when they are going through a divorce. However, this is not a good idea. Even experienced divorce lawyers that are getting a divorce will hire a divorce attorney to work with them. There are several reasons for this.
First, you are too close to what’s happening. You are going through a trauma, even if you are the one that initiated the divorce. It’s causing big changes to happen in your life. Because you are so close and there is emotional involvement, there is a chance that you could make some costly mistakes.
Second, most people are not well-versed with family law in Arizona or any other state for that matter. They don’t have an understanding of how the law works, what the judges might favor, etc. Without this type of knowledge, it is impossible to represent yourself properly. There is too great a risk of making a mistake.
So, when should you seek the help of an attorney? As soon as you know you are going to be getting divorced. If you are the one that will be serving divorce papers, you will want to have chosen an attorney already. If you receive divorce papers, the next thing you should do is start searching for a divorce lawyer. The sooner you have counsel on your side, the better off you will be.
What Happens Next?
After choosing an attorney and meeting with them, the lawyer will want to know more about your objectives and concerns. By knowing what your goals are, the attorney can start to work toward helping you achieve those goals or getting as close as possible. By understanding the concerns, it will help them to have a better picture of things that they have to consider and watch for during the divorce. Once they understand the concerns and objectives, the attorneys can start to build a strategy along with you. The goal should be to meet the objectives in the fastest and most cost-effective manner possible.
Divorces often have negotiations. These negotiations are often “give and take”, and it’s important that you understand when it might be a good idea to give in on one area, so you can get something back in a different area. However, you don’t want to give up too much without the promise of what you need in return. Having an attorney working with you and representing you can help to reduce the amount of risk that you undertake during your divorce.
There Is No Cookie Cutter Solution
It’s important to realize that all divorces are different. This means that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach for people who are going through this situation. Everyone is different and every divorce is slightly different. In some cases, they might be drastically different depending on the situation, the amount of money involved, the complexity of assets, co-owned businesses, etc. Since not all divorces are the same, they can’t be approached the same. You need to find an attorney that knows how to help you.
The attorney that you work with should not take your case for granted. They should involve you at each step of the way and you should be part of the strategy. You want them to respect your opinions, requests, and your finances. Choose an attorney that will discuss the pros and cons of different aspects of the case and different approaches that can be taken.
Dealing with the Toll
Although there are certainly many logistical things that need to happen when you are going through a divorce, you also need to think about your emotional, physical, and mental health. Divorce is not easy. It will take up a lot of your thoughts and it will cause worry and anxiety. It’s important to find a healthy outlet during this time. Talking with close family and friends is helpful, but you may also want to seek the guidance of a therapist or counselor. They can help you through the divorce in ways that others might not be able to.
Work with a Great Family Law Attorney
A good attorney will take the time to answer your questions and talk with you about all aspects of your case. They want to know the biggest worries that you have about the divorce, so they can address them. They want to work with you to create a strategy that’s right for you. They can help you with negotiations, litigation, and every element of your divorce. Take the time to find a good attorney today.
