Divorce can be difficult to navigate through, it is an emotional process, and it’s not something that people go through every day. Below are some tips to help you to navigate through a divorce case a little more smoothly. 

1. First determine what type of case you have. Is your case a contested or uncontested divorce?

You can save thousands of dollars and time if you know at the beginning of your case that your case will be an uncontested divorce. It is important that you identify which type of case your divorce is at the beginning of the process to ensure that you do not waste time spending money on attorney fees for an unnecessary drawn-out divorce case.  

An uncontested divorce is where both spouses agree to all the terms of the divorce. Whereas a contested divorce is where the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, and they must go to court to get a judge to make a final decision regarding their divorce case. 

2. The second thing you should do is make a list of everything including in your community estate.

Organize your finances before you are in the nit and grit of your divorce case can ensure that you do not leave money on the table because you are so wrapped up in the emotional side of the divorce. People often forget about personal property and high-valued items their spouse has while going through a divorce and they don't think about it until after the judge has signed the decree. Creating an inventory list of the assets that each person has before the nit and grit of the divorce can help you achieve a more just and equitable division of your community estate.

3. If children are involved in the case then determine what child-related issues are agreed to and which are not.

 In this situation, you and your spouse need to decide what is going to be the outcome regarding child support, visitation, custody, etc. Discuss how much involvement each parent is going to have in the child’s life. Sit down and figuring out what the visiting plan is.

Most importantly, do not allow your feelings about the divorce to make it seem like your children's emotions are not validated. To you your spouse may be the "worst spouse," "selfish," and you’re ready to "remove them out of my life,"  but in your children's eyes that other parent may still be the best person in the entire world to your children and they do not want that parent to be out of their life. 

4. Plan for your financial future.

Planning for your financial future after your divorce can make you less hard on yourself at the end of the divorce, especially if you have children because you will not feel guilty that you did not plan for your financial future and success. Gather all your financial accounts, consult with a financial advisor, run a credit report, obtain property and business appraisals, and ensure when necessary obtain a financial tracing of accounts. This data collecting will help you to plan for a better financial future for yourself and your children.

5. Create a team of support for your divorce case.

Building a team of support ( a financial advisor, counselor/therapist/pastor, supportive family & friends, and a family law attorney) can make your divorce process smoother.

1. A financial advisor can help you in developing a budget and a goal, as well as ensuring that you do not financially fail after the divorce is finalized.

2. A Counselor/Therapist/Pastor gives you the ability to communicate your story and express what is on your mind in a safe place.

3. Supportive family and friends, are very important. They are the last people on your list to discuss your divorce with, however, YOU NEED THEM!

4. Family Law attorney can help you addressing legal conflicts, creating an attack strategy that matches your expectations, protects your legal rights, and ensuring that you stay on track and make wise decisions during your divorce case.

There is much more that goes on and is needed in planning for a divorce which is why It is very important that you find an experienced Houston divorce attorney to assist you with your case, so it is handled carefully and with the representation of an attorney. 

Attorney, Ashley Nicole Green is a divorce attorney in Houston, a divorce attorney in Fort Bend, a divorce attorney in Brazoria, a divorce attorney in Matagorda, and other surrounding counties that is here to help you protect your legal rights and your assets.

If you want help to create a detailed plan before filing for a divorce, you should consider a one-on-one 3-hour divorce coaching session with me. Click out this link for more details and to sign-up at https://www.lawofficeagreen.com/agreen-divorce-coaching

You can always connect with us via phone 832-844-1677 or via email at agreenteam@lawofficegreen.com