There’s no right way to divorce. There are, however, certain steps that, if taken, can greatly benefit individuals both during and after a divorce. The decision to divorce is not one that typically is or should be taken lightly. In fact, many individuals who eventually decide to file for divorce only do so after contemplating the matter for months or years and seeking legal advice. When trying to determine if divorce is the right answer, individuals would be wise to make a list of pros and cons and ensure possible alternatives to divorce have been explored. If an individual chooses to move forward and file for divorce it’s important to enlist the assistance of a divorce attorney who is able to provide advice and help navigate the divorce settlement process.
While every divorce is unique, some of the most common and potentially contentious divorce matters relate to child custody, the division of marital assets and child and spousal support. Many of the decisions that must be made during a divorce hinge on having a clear picture of one’s current finances and future financial needs.
As a general rule, most divorcees see their cash flow decrease post-divorce. In many divorces things such as housing, child care and food were previously afforded on two salaries. After a divorce these same necessities must now be afforded on one salary. While it can be difficult to face this reality, doing so is critical to ensure decisions made during the divorce settlement process are financially beneficial to an individual’s future.
While going through a divorce, some individuals fail to realize the emotional toll the process may take. Even those individuals who initiated the divorce will likely experience many ups and downs as well as times of regret. Oftentimes, seeing a therapist or counselor can help an individual work through the roller coaster of emotions that frequently accompany divorce. Additionally, turning to family and friends may also be helpful. A strong support system can help an individual deal with both past and present realities as well as plan for a happier future.
Source: WTXL-TV, “14 Things You Need To Know About Divorce In 2014,” Henry Gornbein, Feb. 13, 2014
