Not all marriages end up with a happily ever after. Sometimes you and your partner may end up falling out of love or growing apart.
And sometimes, to save yourself from harm, a divorce may become necessary.
Most Common Reasons For a Divorce
According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the most common reasons for divorce are the following:
- Lack of commitment
- Infidelity
- Conflict or irreconcilable differences
- Domestic violence
- Substance abuse
When you have reached your final straw, you want to know how to get a divorce. So how exactly what do you need to do at that point?
Not only is divorce emotionally and financially challenging, but the process of it is also tricky. But here are the steps that you need to follow in case you find divorce necessary.
How To Get a Divorce
Get a Divorce Attorney
Before anything else, we recommend that you first consult a divorce attorney.
They can help you through frustrating, complicated, and taxing things when it comes to divorce. They can walk you/help you better understand through the process, your rights, and your options for proceeding. And they can be your advocate through the process so you know you have someone in your corner looking out for your best interests.
Getting a attorney is especially highly recommended when your divorce includes disputes over children and/or shared assets.
Gather Documents
You’ll need to gather a lot of documents for your attorney and/or the court in order to get a divorce. These documents include assets, debt, and income, such as copies of tax returns, bank statements, retirement accounts, credit card statements, family residence statements, and many more.
This may be useful if your spouse tries to hide money and assets once the process begins.
Similar to step 1, consulting with your attorney is the best way to get the best possible outcome at the lowest cost for this type of situation.
Open New Accounts
As for what’s next, a common recommendation is that you open up a new credit card, checking and/or savings accounts. But this time, only put your name on that account.
Opening up a new credit can help you pay for expenses that come up that you cannot immediately pay for. It is also best to get a copy of your credit report to know all your known and unknown debts.
Alter Key Documents
Alter your will and medical directive as well. In cases where your spouse is your primary benefactor, you will need to alter your will and medical directive.
After all, they will not be part of your next life, so why should they be the ones making medical decisions for you if something terrible happens to you?
Money Matters
Then for what is next, calculate your new expenses for your life without your spouse. Things will change without your partner. And this includes your costs and priorities.
Alternatives To Going To Court
But a traditional divorce is expensive, is it not? Are there any less expensive options out there?
Fortunately, there are! Here are some cheaper options; some may not even need an attorney.
- DIY divorce – This is the least expensive way to go. And may be a good option in the case of an uncontested divorce.
- Mediation – This is an option that can help you avoid having to go to court. Instead, it is settled with a third party known as a mediator.
- Collaborative divorce – This involves having both attorneys of the party present during the negotiations.
- Litigation is often when serious things are involved, such as abuse, violence, and unwillingness to cooperate.
Check out the article How To File For Divorce for specific steps to get the process moving.