Divorce may not be something you have spent time planning (or hoping) for, and when you and your spouse decide that your marriage cannot survive, you may feel overwhelmed with emotion and with all of the things that must be done. The emotional and logistical aspects of a divorce can leave you unsure how to move forward. The staff at Johnson Mediation understands how difficult a divorce can be for you and your family. We have developed a divorce planning checklist to give you some guidance about how to take those first steps right away and how to stay on track so that you can move forward with your life.
1. Understand the divorce process in your state: Minnesota is a no-fault divorce state. This means that you do not have to prove anything to a judge to get your divorce granted. You simply need to illustrate that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of your marriage.
2. Organize your finances: One of the very first steps to take when you are preparing for a divorce is to organize your finances. Gather documents on your assets, debts and any investments you share so that when you need to divide your finances you are not hunting for your documents.
3. Weigh your options for settling the terms of your divorce: Minnesota courts strongly recommend that couples attempt an alternative dispute resolution option like mediation before going through the court system. Johnson Mediation offers efficient and compassionate in person and virtual mediation services to families all over the Minnesota area.
4. Focus on the well-being of your children: Your kids did not ask for this divorce. Try to keep their well-being in mind as you make the decisions related to the divorce settlement and custody agreement.
5. Get emotional support: Your emotional well-being is also very important during a divorce. Find your support network and use it! This may be family, friends, your pastor, co-workers, or professional support like a therapist or divorce coach. Your support network can help you process the emotional aspects of a divorce.
Divorce Mediation to Settle your Divorce in MN
Johnson Mediation has extensive experience helping couples navigate the divorce process in Minnesota. Our founder, Jeff Johnson, has been through a divorce himself and combines that personal experience with professional skill and deep knowledge of Minnesota law. Mediation can help you resolve the terms of your divorce including division of property, child custody and spousal maintenance/child support. You can complete the entire divorce process without going through the court system. For more information about taking these steps toward your future, call us at 952-401-7599.
