Are you separated or about to go through a divorce? If so, you are not alone. Roughly 10% of the U.S. population is currently divorced, and roughly a million such splits occur each year. As time goes on, first marriages are more and more likely to end in divorce. Within the first five years, a first marriage has a 20% chance of ending in separation or divorce; by 10 years, the probability increases to 33%.
However, you do not have to go into this situation unprepared. Having a great attorney on your side means that you can make these changes with as little upset to your daily life as possible. Just remember these three tips as you begin preparing for your divorce proceedings:
First, make sure you hire the right divorce attorney.
The average divorce proceedings can last roughly one year, so it is crucial you have courteous and professional lawyers on your side. Your Toms River divorce lawyer should be there for you every step of the way, so you never feel alienated during this stressful time in your life. How can you ensure you have hired the right lawyer? Make sure to schedule a consultation, so you can ask questions and get a feel for how your attorney will handle your case.
Next, take stock of what you have at stake.
What assets do you have in your name? Do you and your spouse own a home? Do you have other shared finances like bank accounts or stocks and bonds? If so, you will need to gather any documentation you have, so you can present it to your attorney. Additionally, an estimated 1.5 million children see their parents divorce each year, so make sure that you have taken your children’s custody and/or visitation rights into account. If you think you will need to discuss issues like child custody or child support with your lawyer, make sure you can talk about what your children may be facing and what resources you will have after the divorce is finalized.
Finally, gather your resources…
… and keep your Toms River divorce lawyer informed of what is going on — including any changes in your employment, living situation, or other factors. Have more questions? Call our Toms River divorce lawyers to begin working on your case. Divorce may be difficult, but with the assistance of a qualified attorney, you can breathe more easily.