The decision to divorce does not happen overnight. Very often, a couple may take months if not years to make this final decision to end their marriage. A lot of time and emotional energy has already been spent reaching this difficult moment and then the divorce process begins. Here are some tips for how to prepare for the divorce process:
- Discuss plans for your divorce with your spouse: If at all possible, make sure that you and your soon to be ex are on the same page about your decision to move forward with divorce. This communication can be difficult but will help lay a strong foundation for future communication.
- Get support for yourself and your kids: Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. It impacts you, your spouse as well as your children, so building your support system early in the process is critical. This may mean relying on your friends, neighbors, family, a professional therapist, divorce coach, pastor, school guidance counselor or other trusted individuals in your life.
- Learn about your options for the divorce process: You may assume that you will need to go through the court system to finalize your divorce, but this is not your only option. Divorce mediation is a highly effective way to resolve the terms of your divorce without a nasty court battle. It can work for many couples and is actually now recommended by the Minnesota court system.
- Sort out separation details related to your kids: You will need a separation agreement that outlines how parenting time will be split up during your separation before your divorce is final. Your divorce will, of course, outline custody and parenting time as well.
- Itemize your assets and debts: If you want to get a head start and minimize the time spent during the divorce process, go ahead and make a list of your property, assets and debts. This information will be extremely helpful as you decide how to divide what you share.
- Organize and compile all of your financial and legal documents: One of the most time-consuming parts of preparing for your first meeting with your mediator and/or attorney is pulling together your financial information. This includes bank statements, tax returns, retirement statements, and any other information that is shared. Doing this ahead of time will help the process run more smoothly.
- Take care of yourself: Self-care is a very important thing to remember during the divorce process. Remember to take time for yourself, exercise when you can, get sleep and eat well. This will help give you the strength that you need to get through the divorce process.
Divorce Mediation Services in Minnesota
If you decide to use divorce mediation to settle the terms of your divorce, call the team at Johnson Mediation at 952-401-7599.
