Divorce Lawyers - Filing For Divorce
Preparation is the key for success when filing for divorce. Both legal and practical issues should be
resolved before the petition is filed. Retain a divorce lawyer if your have children, any significant assets, or
your case is contested. Once the process is in motion, scheduling orders are prepared by the clerk and deadlines
begin to run.
Filing for divorce - preliminary steps
A divorce lawyer should advise you how to gather and copy records. If in doubt, copy everything. Missing or
destroyed documents are common after a disgruntled spouse has been served with a petition.
- Know where you will live and how you will pay expenses
- Financial records in order - know where all assets are located
- Taxes and tax returns current
- Prepare a budget for court ordered living allowance and child support temporary orders
- Be prepared to terminate all joint accounts immediately
- Decide how to explain your decision to your spouse and children
Practice Tip: once a petition is filed, it becomes public record. The party who files the petition is the
petitioner, and the opposing party is the respondent. Divorce lawyers may obtain a list of newly filed cases and
call respondents before the petition is served.
After filing for divorce
Most divorce lawyers take care of all legal issues. Emotionally, be prepared for change. People talk. Friends
may be confused. Family responses are unpredictable. Financially, running two households on the same income is
more difficult and each spouse must be prepared to take control of personal needs. If you need assistance, do
not hesitate to ask a divorce lawyer for recommendations. Filing for divorce is a difficult step in the best
circumstances.
See Also:
Divorce Lawyer - Divorce Mediation,
Divorce Lawyer - Filing Suits,
Divorce Lawyer - Child Support Services,
Divorce Lawyer - Questions
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