Steps to Take After Separating From Your Spouse
If you are separated or separating from your spouse, you may be wondering what your next steps should be. Here are some things you can do to make this transition a little easier:
1. Take a breath
Many people make decisions they later regret during or after separation because they fail to seek sound advice or take time to consider their options carefully. Instead of acting impulsively, take some time to plan and give serious thought to the decisions you must make.
2. Talk to your family and friends
It is not uncommon for your judgement to be clouded when you’re going through a separation. So, you may want to speak with your family members and friends to help you see some clarity as you cope during this difficult time. While it is okay to discuss the situation with and seek advice from your adult family members, you should never involve children in such matters. You must inform them of your decision to separate in a way suitable for their age and level of maturity but spare them the details of your problems.
3. Learn the basics of family law
Although you will not be able to grasp all the nuances of family law, it might be helpful to learn a bit about what the law says and how it might affect your separation. Since family law may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, ensure you research the family law guidelines that apply in your province.
4. Decide what process to use
You do not need to go to court to fight it out with your spouse simply because you are separating. While this may be a necessary step in some cases, there are those couples who benefit from using another process. If your separation is amicable, you may be able to solve all your issues with a separation agreement. A separation agreement will ensure each party’s rights are protected while eliminating the back-and-forth fighting in court.
5. Consult a separation agreement lawyer
Regardless of the process you choose for your separation, it is wise that you have a separation lawyer on your side. A separation lawyer will give you objective legal advice, handle the complexities of your case and safeguard your rights.
Are you searching for a Toronto separation lawyer?
If you are searching for Toronto separation lawyer, contact us at Baker and Baker Family Law. With over 90 years of combined experience, we are in a strong position to help you.
At Baker and Baker Family Law Toronto, our lawyers have a wide range of backgrounds, including experience in mediation as well as complex matters of custody, support, professional practice and business valuations, and complex tax and pension matters.
Generally, we advise that you start with mediation. Mediation is usually far less expensive and time-consuming than any other process and helps protect you and your children from needless conflict. During mediation, we will try to settle as many of the issues between you and the other party. If mediation doesn’t work, our separation lawyers will take your case to court where they will fight for the best possible outcome.
So, what are you waiting for? Call us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Toronto separation lawyers. Once we have answered all your questions, we will talk about your situation and give you our opinion about your case.
