Critical Steps In A Divorce

Divorces are difficult, especially when finances and minor children are involved. Making a checklist of things you need to do to protect your rights can help you stay organized and avoid making mistakes. 

Gathering essential documents, evidence and navigating the entire divorce process can be too much to take in all at once. A Salt Lake City divorce attorney can assist you and increase your chances of a fair outcome. 

Critical steps in a divorce

• Decide what kind of divorce you want. 

There are two ways of getting a divorce- one that takes place in a court and one that does not. Usually, when you and your spouse both want the divorce and agree on the divorce terms, such as child custody, child support, alimony, asset division, etc., then there is no need to take matters to court. If not, you can take the help of a mediator. If that does not work too, you may have no option but to go to court. 

• Document your finances. 

Documenting finances includes determining how much your spouse earns, whether they have retirement or pension funds, and how much marital debt you are currently holding. Determining your financial standing is important for asset and property division in a divorce. If you do not gather evidence, your spouse may try to hide assets.

• Evaluate personal property.

Personal property may include things in your house, such as furniture, books, electronic gadgets, etc. Gather evidence for all your personal property that you find valuable and important to you. You may take photographs or video footage of valuable items. 

• Decide whether you need a lawyer. 

You are not obligated by the law to hire a lawyer for your divorce. There are thousands of couples who have resolved their divorce peacefully without the need for an attorney. If you and your spouse have a certain level of understanding to handle the divorce on your own, you can certainly do so. However, it is a good idea to hire a lawyer if you and your spouse keep fighting and disagreeing and if the other party has an attorney on their side. 

• Note down your goals.

What do you hope to achieve from the divorce? Having a clear mental image of what you are fighting for and what your ideal outcome of a divorce is will help you have a better dialogue with your lawyer and the jury. 

• Keep your inheritance separate. 

Your inheritance, that is, assets given to you by your family, is not your spouse’s business. Keep your inherited property separate from your spouse’s. If you own inheritance money, create a separate bank account for them. However, you may have to prove that the money and assets are yours and not theirs.