There is data that suggest that divorce rates increase at certain times of year. Generally, these times are in the early spring (March) and late summer (August). There may be many reasons for this, including those times coming after a period where families spend a lot of extra time together and what is not going well may be highlighted or heightened. However, it is important to remember that no matter when you decide to divorce, the process takes a significant amount of planning. One of the first things to decide is how you want to proceed with the divorce process: mediation or litigation? Johnson Mediation can help you walk through this process and make the decisions that are best for you, your family and your future.
Planning Ahead For The Divorce Process
Summer is a time when families may have more down time, more time away from work and perhaps more time to plan. If you and your ex have decided that divorce is the next step for you, spend time gathering information to make the process easier for you. Here are some tips for how to prepare now so that you are ready to move forward more quickly:
Pull all financial information: Now is the perfect time to gather your financial information, specifically information about your bank accounts, mortgage/rent payments, car loans, retirement and any investments that you may have. Make sure to take note of whether this financial information was yours/your spouses before the marriage or if they are joint assets/debts.
Locate your tax returns: Whether or not you file your taxes jointly or not, it is important to be able to pull this information as well.
Collect your credit card statements, phone records and other data: Depending on the circumstances of your divorce, you may want to spend time now gathering any other documentation that helps you illustrate your case. This may include phone records, credit card statements or other documents.
Gather your support system: Before you begin the divorce process, it is important to think about your support system and consider who you can confide in about your future. This will be an important source of support for you. Consider family, friends, co-workers, a pastor, a therapist that you trust to help support you and your family during the divorce process.
Communication: Strong and open communication is the key to a more amicable divorce. Mediation allows you to stay in control over the decisions about your divorce settlement, gives you the opportunity to save time and money and demonstrates to your children that you are able to resolve your differences.
Divorce Mediation In Minnesota
If you are considering a divorce this summer, now is the time to reach out to the staff at Johnson Mediation for assistance. Call us at 952-401-7599 for more information.
