Florida residents who have decided to end their marriage will have to prepare before they file. Preparation can be one of the key factors in reducing the emotional and financial toll divorce can take on someone.
Emotional preparation
Before filing for divorce, it is wise to gather a support system of family members and friends. However, if you are a parent, remember that you should not involve your children when it comes to disputes with your estranged spouse and your feelings about the divorce. Another way to prepare emotionally is by seeking help from a mental health professional, who can provide assistance and tools to deal with the emotional challenges of the divorce process. If you are a parent, you might also work out a custody schedule with your spouse even before you file so that the children will be less affected.
Financial preparation
There are several things you can also do to prepare financially for the changes that will come with the end of the marriage. One of the first steps you should take is to organize your finances by listing all your assets and debts. This can be a complex, but necessary step if you will be faced with a high-asset divorce since the list might be quite long and you will need to gather documentation. Other things you can do to financially prepare for divorce include:
- Setting up a realistic budget for life for post-divorce
- Avoiding any unnecessary new debt as you get closer to the filing for divorce
- Opening a line of credit under your own name since you might lose access to credit lines held with your ex-spouse
Preparing as much as you can before you file might help you have a smoother adaptation into post-divorce life. It might also help you have a less contentious process.