Making the decision to get a divorce is a huge life change. This is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make, and it can have a significant impact on the lives of your entire family. For many couples, however, it is the right decision, despite the difficulty. Taking that first step can seem impossible for many different reasons. You may not know what step to take, you may not feel certain it’s the right step, or you may have so many questions that you feel paralyzed. This is all a normal response to such a major life decision. Johnson Mediation can help you take that first step when the time is right, help you define your priorities and goals and then move through the process with less stress.
Things to Do Once you Decide to Divorce
You and your spouse may have been considering a divorce for quite some time, but the timing may not have been right for lots of reasons. Our team can help you through the entire divorce process, helping you every step of the way. The true first step in a divorce is to make sure that you and your spouse are on the same page about moving forward. If you cannot easily come to an agreement and one party still wants to pursue it, then that person needs to be ready to file the divorce petition. Here are some other important things to think about early in the divorce process:
- Gather and organize important documents: No matter how you proceed with your divorce, you will need to be able to produce financial documentation including bank statements, W-2s, credit card statements, retirement/investment information, so gathering and organizing this now will put you ahead of the game.
- Communicate with your children and family: Making sure that your family is on the same page about your plans is hugely important and will help everyone adjust to the new normal. This also allows family to provide you much needed support.
- Review your finances and credit: Make sure you have a handle on your finances and consider opening an individual bank account for yourself if that is possible. Ideally, you would have savings for 3 months of living expenses headed into a divorce.
- Make a plan for living separately: Separating your household is difficult, but the first step is planning for 2 different living spaces during the divorce proceedings. This should be factored into your financial planning for the coming months.
- Decide what process you want to follow to settle your divorce: You have options when it comes to settling the terms of your divorce. Mediation offers you a way to control many of the decisions, save yourself money and time.
Divorce Mediator in Minnesota
For more information or to make an appointment for a free consultation, give Johnson Mediation a call at 952-401-7599.
