Divorces are not easy. They are emotional, stressful, and often involve many financial expenses. If you are planning a divorce, you may feel overwhelmed when thinking about all of the different factors that you will have to sort through – from spousal and child support to distribution of property and life insurance. Because of these factors, we highly recommend that you lean on a divorce attorney who has the experience to guide you through the process and achieve the best outcome for you and your family.
In addition to consulting with your experienced divorce attorney, we encourage you to step back, take a breath, and evaluate the situation and what is to come before making any sudden decisions because these decisions will impact your future. Below are some additional tips to keep in mind as you plan for your divorce:
- Do Not Increase Your Debt
Divorce can be expensive and can include expert fees, court costs, and legal bills, as well as expenses to establish a new living space if moving out of your current home is necessary – in addition to other expenses. If you know you are approaching a divorce, plan ahead by saving money and avoiding increasing debt.
- Consider a Collaborative Divorce
A collaborative divorce is a customized, client-centered process through which families resolve divorce, child custody, and other legal issues respectfully and efficiently, avoiding litigation and focusing on solutions to meet each family’s unique needs. Consider if this divorce process would be a good option for your situation, and if so, consult with your attorney about your options.
- Review and Update Your Will
A divorce does not automatically change a person’s will, which is why reviewing and updating your will is one of the items you need to keep in mind if approaching a divorce. An attorney can assist in this regard to protect your interests while the divorce is ongoing.
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- Be There for Your Children
Prepare to help your children cope with the divorce by explaining the matter when the time is right, helping them manage their feelings, and encouraging them to express how they feel. Also, avoid making any negative comments about your spouse in front of your children.
- Seek Help from a Therapist
Whether you are approaching a divorce, in the middle of a divorce, or are recently divorced, it may be helpful to speak with a counselor or therapist. This is something that can help you alleviate stress and stay calm when moving through the next steps of your divorce journey.
Divorces can be stressful, no doubt, but with the proper support from your attorney and by keeping the above tips in mind, the process can go much smoother and you can be on your way to paving a new path for yourself and your family.
For information about what our experienced attorneys at Wilder Mahood McKinley & Oglesby can do to help you in your divorce, contact us online or call our office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 412-261-4040.
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