Steps You Can Take to Prepare for a Divorce

Each divorce takes its own course, and while you can expect surprises along the way, there are several steps you can take to help you prepare for a smoother path ahead. The terms of your divorce are important to your parental rights and to your post-divorce finances, which makes working closely with an experienced California divorce attorney the best course of action. 

Consider Whether You Can Avoid Court

Your divorce will be like every other divorce in the sense that you will need to resolve the basic terms of divorce, including:

• Your child custody and parenting time arrangements
• Child Support
• The division of your marital assets
• Alimony (or spousal support)

If you and your divorcing spouse can resolve these between yourselves – with the help of your respective divorce attorneys and mediation (as applicable) – you won’t need the court to intervene. Bypassing trial can save time, money, and the stress of handing over your decision-making power to the court, which can make pouring yourself into negotiations worth the effort. 

Collect Your Documentation

In the resolution of your divorce terms, documentation will play a critical role. Consider the following:

• Financial documentation that demonstrates the extent of your marital assets and debts, including pay stubs, W2s, tax returns, retirement accounts, deeds, and vehicle titles
• Documentation of any separate property that either of you owns
• Information related to any valuables you own, including art, jewelry, and collections
• Life insurance policies that either of you carries on yourself or the other
• Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

Determine Whether You Need a Divorce Attorney

While there is no requirement that you work with a divorce attorney, doing so can provide you with a considerable advantage when it comes to protecting your financial and parental rights. Additionally, even the most straightforward and amicable divorce can run into considerable complications and discord. Having a seasoned divorce attorney in your corner is almost always in your best interest. 

Focus on Your Child Custody Arrangements and Child Support

 If you and your divorcing spouse share children, sketching out how you will address the matter of your child custody arrangements and child support is an important place to start. Once you have established your own priorities and know where your children’s other parent stands on the matter, it can assist you in the negotiation process.  

Focus on Moving Forward

It is important to put careful thought into your next steps, including: 

• Separating and updating your joint accounts, loans, policies, and credit cards
• Establishing your own and your children’s post-divorce living arrangements
• Keeping the lines of communication between yourself and your soon-to-be-ex open (to the best of your ability), which will not only make your co-parenting efforts more effective but is also in the best interests of your children emotionally

Proceed with an Experienced California Divorce Attorney on Your Side

The accomplished California divorce attorneys at Miranda, Magden & Miranda, LLP, in Monterey are committed to zealously advocating for your rights and your advantageous divorce terms while helping your restructured family move on to their next chapters, away from the Court system. To learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us today.