How to Prepare for a Divorce
No one enters into a marriage planning to get a divorce. But unfortunately, almost 50 percent of marriages today end that way.
While divorce is a difficult task to undertake, once you have decided that this is the best course of action, you can alleviate much of the stress associated with the process through proper preparation. If you or your spouse has decided to put an end to your marriage, there are certain steps that you should take to protect yourself, your family, and your assets.
Here are some things you should do:
Start saving
Getting a divorce can be very expensive. Legal fees, alimony and child support are just a few of the expenses that you may have to consider. If you have decided to part with your spouse, you must ensure that you have sufficient funds to take care of any expenses that may arise during the legal process as well as after your divorce.
Organize your finances
During your divorce, you will go through what is called a financial disclosure. A financial disclosure involves both parties declaring all assets and liabilities to ensure that finances are divided fairly. Financial disclosure allows the court to make decisions regarding alimony and child support. As part of this process, you will need to provide the courts with financial documents, so organize items such as your income statements, tax returns, bank statements, receipts, and bills. It is recommended that you make copies of these documents and store them in a safe place.
Decide on custody arrangements
If you have children, a divorce will not only impact your life but theirs as well. Every measure should be taken to limit disruptions to their lives and routines.
Both you and your spouse need to discuss what custody arrangements will be in effect following the divorce. Be sure to keep a record of who does what with regards to raising your children, for example, who takes the children to school, assists with homework or prepares their meals. This information will prove helpful in determining how custody will be shared in a way that does not affect the care of your children. If you and your spouse are unable to agree on custody matters, the decision will be left to the courts.
Consider mediation
If you do not want your divorce to be contentious, you may want to consider mediation.
In mediation, you and your spouse will meet with a neutral third party and work through issues that need to be resolved. Decisions are made about how assets will be divided and how custody and parenting time will be handled if children are involved. The mediation will help ensure the dissolution of your marriage is as amicable and cost-effective as possible.
Hire a divorce lawyer
Even if you and your spouse are separating amicably, this does not mean there is no need for lawyers to be involved. A divorce is a complex and time-consuming process that involves many legal aspects that you may not be familiar with. When you hire a divorce lawyer, they will ensure you understand all the legal requirements and guide you to make informed decisions regarding your finances and other matters that arise in your divorce. A lawyer will also draft any required legal documents, such as your divorce settlement or custody agreement. Hiring a divorce lawyer might expedite the divorce process as well.
Are you looking for a Divorce Lawyer in Toronto?
If you are seeking a divorce lawyer in Toronto, the experienced and capable team at Baker and Baker Family Law will guide through this process to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome. With 58 years of combined experience, our Toronto divorce lawyers are in an excellent position to help.
Call us today for a free legal consultation. Let us help you put this part of your life behind you.
