How to Plan for a Divorce

Most people who enter marriage don’t expect it to end in divorce. Unfortunately, a large percentage of married couples ultimately decide to go their separate ways. Once you or your spouse suggests a divorce, there are certain steps that you’ll need to take to protect your interests moving forward. Here are some tips on how to plan for a divorce:

• Consult with a family law attorney for advice — An experienced family law attorney can advise you as to what to expect in a divorce and how you should prepare. This is a crucial first step.
• Gather your financial documents — Start gathering documents such as bank statements, insurance policies, deeds to your home and real property, credit card statements, and tax returns. And, once the divorce proceedings begin, you’ll likely be receiving a lot of court papers, so you’ll need to keep those organized in one place, too.
• Open a post office box or create a private email address — A P.O. box and separate email address can serve a number of purposes. If you’re going to be changing physical addresses, having all court documents sent to a P.O. box will ensure you don’t miss receiving important papers. And, if you’re still contemplating a divorce but haven’t yet spoken to your spouse about it, you can have all related correspondence sent to a P.O. box until you’re ready to broach the subject with him or her.
• Change your passwords — If you share information on your home computers with your spouse, he or she may be able to read your emails and/or access your personal information. Many times, text messages and emails are available on all home devices. Make sure you have changed passwords and halted family sharing on apps that will contain information regarding your divorce.
• Protect your children from the divorce — In Florida, you are required to refrain from discussing the divorce with your children. Your job is to make the children understand that no matter what happens between you and your spouse, their needs will be met and you will both be there for them. It is your job to ensure that they suffer as little as possible during this transition. If you need help determining what to say, consult with an attorney for referrals to reputable child counselors in your area.
• After you have sought advice from an attorney, gathered documents and made the decision to proceed with the divorce, you should hire an attorney — An experienced divorce lawyer can help guide you through this trying process. Even if your divorce doesn’t go to trial, an attorney will still be able to provide you with the help you need every step of the way.

Most importantly, if you’re in an abusive situation or otherwise fear for your safety, you may want to consider packing a bag and making arrangements to stay somewhere else at least for the time being, since talk of divorce can make emotions flare.

Trusted Divorce Attorneys Serving the Tampa Bay Area

If you’re in need of a divorce lawyer in the Tampa Bay area, you can confidently turn to the Law Offices of Audrey A. Jefferis, P.A. We’re based in New Port Richey, but we serve clients throughout Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Hernando Counties. Contact us today to schedule a consultation — we’re open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.