How to Go About the Divorce Process

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Getting a divorce is an incredibly life changing event, but in today's world, it happens to approximately half of us. So if it looks like you are going to be embarking upon the process of a divorce, you should prepare yourself and know what you are in for.

Here are a few steps involved in the divorce process so that if you are about to begin a divorce, you know what is coming:

1) Finalization of choice- Before beginning to file paperwork for a divorce, you have to decide for sure that you are ready to take that step. Like earlier mentioned, it is one of the most life changing things you can choose throughout your time on this earth, so it is not something to be decided upon lightly. Take the time to discuss with your current partner the ramifications of a divorce, or see a counselor if that is what you wish. Just make sure that the divorce is really what you want.

2) Decide if you need a lawyer or not- In most cases a lawyer is a necessary piece to your divorce puzzle. There are very few times that couples could go without lawyers for this process. If you have not been married long, there are no children involved, and you are both in agreement about what to do with property and assets, then you might be okay to move forward without an attorney. Otherwise, it is advisable to retain an attorney for your protection in your divorce.

3) Preparation- If you cannot come to an outright agreement, you must compile personal data on all those involved (including children), as well as financial data.

4) Discovery- This is the nightmare phase. Each partner, along with their attorney must go through each large purchase the couple ever bought, received, or brought in throughout their marriage, attach a value to it, and decide whether it is an asset shared by both partners or whether it belongs to just one. Proving worth of items can be near impossible to do unless the couple is meticulous about keeping receipts.

5) Terms for settlement- After discovery is completed, the partners must agree on a few key issues or else they will have to go to trial instead of settling out of court. This includes division of property, as well as deciding on financial support, custody of children, and visitation rights.

6) Trial- In the case that settlement cannot be made, your case will be taken to trial to be seen by a Judge.

It's easy to see that the divorce process is a difficult one, but if it is necessary, hopefully this will help you feel prepared for it.