Whether it’s your first or third, divorce can be nerve-racking, to say the least. With so much to take care of, it is extremely important that you get every component of your divorce right.
Fortunately, you can take steps to ensure that you properly prepare for your divorce and end your marriage on favorable terms. Here are some of these steps:
Start by building your support network
Divorce can be emotionally draining. While your attorney takes care of the legal aspects of your divorce, it’s crucial that you find someone (or a group of people) who can help you keep your emotions under control during those difficult moments. These can be your family, trustworthy friends or your minister. Seeking help from a relationship counselor can also be a great idea.
Build an inventory of your marital assets
One of the most important components of divorce is the division of marital property. In Ohio, this follows the concept of equitable division. This means that everything you have acquired while married will be divided equitably, not equally.
Having a clear record of marital assets will ensure that you get a fair share of what you’ve accumulated while you were married. It will also help you detect if your spouse is attempting to hide marital property.
Focus on the main thing
If you’re a parent, then your child’s welfare will eb the top priority. If the marriage is over, and you share children, it’s important that you do what you can to safeguard their best interests. Keep in mind that even as you end your marriage, you still have children who look up to you for love, guidance, provision and protection. Do everything in your power to protect your children from the emotional turmoil that comes with divorce.
Divorce under any circumstance is tough. Understanding your obligations and entitlements can help you better prepare.