Planning a dream wedding or a dream vacation can take many months. Most people consider it time well spent on making wonderful memories. Probably the same cannot be said for planning a dream divorce. Obviously, divorce is far from dreamy — but planning for it will pay off for you in the long run.
Divorce planning provides a clear roadmap to take you from where you are now (considering or starting a divorce) to where you want to eventually end up. Your attorney will be an important ally in helping you clarify your goals, educating you about your rights and how the divorce process works in New Jersey and gathering all the information you need to move forward.
If you are considering a divorce — or had one sprung on you — there are six steps you can take right away to put you in control of your life:
Proceed carefully. The New Jersey divorce process takes time. Spouses who are in a hurry often regret their shortsightedness. Do not agree to any type of offer or settlement right off the bat, just to get things done. Talk with an attorney to learn about your rights and options before you make a move.
Get a copy of your credit report. You want to be sure there are not any surprises on your credit report before you enter into any kind of divorce negotiations. You can download your free report online here.
Start saving. You will need to set aside money in an account that is yours alone so you always have access to cash. Talk to your attorney about how to move money legally from your joint account.
Prepare your children. If you are scared and feeling a little helpless, your children are probably having some of those same feelings. Keep reassuring them that the split is not their fault, even if they tell you they know that. If your spouse tells your children about the divorce without you, don’t overreact. Try to keep the kids out of the middle. It may be difficult to do, but it’s definitely the right thing to do.
Have a safety plan. If there have been any incidences of domestic violence during your marriage, have a safety plan in place. You can download one for free from the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Don’t sign anything without your attorney. Never sign anything without your attorney reviewing it. You could unknowingly sign away important rights.
If you are planning a divorce soon, we encourage you to speak with an experienced New Jersey divorce lawyer. Protecting your interests and achieving results that support your needs is what you can expect from Cistaro Law. Contact us today for your free consultation.