Although most couples pledge to stay together until death, the reality is that many marriages end in divorce. Many factors lead to the dissolution of marriages including infidelity, abuse, money issues, lack of intimacy, among others. The decision to end a union shouldn’t be arrived at lightly. Divorce can be a complicated, even messy situation, especially when there are children involved. Here are some things you should know.
Managing Expectations
Once you’ve decided to end your marriage, you’ll need to manage your expectations. Don’t view the legal proceedings as a game to be won, especially when it comes to child custody and/or division of property. Recognize that no two cases are the same, so don’t rely on the advice of friends when it comes to the outcome. Consult a Tampa divorce lawyer who is knowledgeable when it comes to family law and understands local and state law when it comes to divorce proceedings. When the dust settles, your life, as well as the lives of other family members, will be significantly changed.
Focusing on the Big Picture
Divorces can be contentious. There are real feelings of anger, sadness and hurt involved. Try not to focus too much on the past. Dwelling on the particular issues that led to the divorce can put you into a bad head space. You and your soon-to-be former spouse need to get past this, so you can move on with your lives. It’s easy to give in to petty instincts and become overly concerned with details that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Is it really necessary to hold on to certain possessions? Focus on getting past the divorce and healing.
Documenting and Keeping Good Records
Because divorces involve dividing properties, you should make copies of important documents. From prenuptial agreements to deeds proving ownership, this information will be important as you and your spouse disclose assets to divide properties in accordance with the law. Take photographs of your possessions and use items such as a newspaper with a time/date or a time and date stamp on a photo to establish when it was taken. Now is the time to do your due diligence to bring the marriage to an end as soon as possible.
While a divorce means that your marriage is coming to an end, it doesn’t mean that the world is coming to an end. Despite the grief you may be experiencing, your life will continue. Keep your head up and focus on healing and moving forward.