Getting to the point of considering divorce can be a long process. However, once you have decided to file, or you know it’s coming, it’s important to do what you can to prepare for your California divorce. In some ways, you may never feel ready for divorce. Although ending your marriage may be difficult, there are steps you can take that may help during the process. Here are 5 ways to prepare for your California divorce.
Work with an Experienced California Divorce Attorney
The first and most important step to take to prepare for your California divorce is to work with an experienced California divorce attorney. California divorce is a complex legal process with unique requirements and laws. Therefore, you will want to work with a California divorce attorney who understands the law and has experience assisting clients with California divorce issues.
Assess Your Finances
Divorce can be one of the most financially impactful experiences in a person’s life. Depending on the circumstances, the prospect of supporting yourself after your California divorce may be intimidating. In this situation, developing a post-divorce budget is essential.
When financially planning for your life after your California divorce, you will want to consider expenses such as housing, transportation, food, savings, entertainment, and medical care. Your California divorce attorney can help you consider your post-divorce budget and other important financial aspects of your case. During the process, you and your attorney can discuss and evaluate factors such as spousal maintenance, child support, property division, as well as other fiscal issues.
Locate Important Documents
When preparing for your California divorce, you will want to consider important documents. For instance, you will need current copies of any banking and investment account statements, real estate deeds, vehicle titles, and other ownership records. Having these records and instruments can help you, and your California divorce attorney assess and prepare for your case.
Your Children
If you have children, you will need to consider how you plan to share physical and legal custody with your former spouse. Depending on their ages and where they each expect to reside, it may be best for your kids to remain with one parent more often than the other. However, you and your ex may be able to divide your time relatively equally. There is also the matter of child support. You and your California divorce attorney can review your custodial plans and child support and determine your options.
Support and Career Plans
As you plan for your California divorce, you will need to think about how you plan to support yourself after the case ends. If you have a job and an established career, and your ex does not, you may be expected to pay for their support for some period of time. By contrast, if you have stayed home or need to return to school or get additional training to gain employment, you may need to ask for alimony. Your California divorce attorney can help you examine your support issues and prepare for the future.
Planning for a California divorce can be complicated, and it’s essential to have the advice of an experienced California divorce attorney during the process. Your California divorce lawyer can help you evaluate your circumstances and identify the best options for you and your case.
Contact an Experienced California Divorce Attorney
If you have questions regarding an upcoming California divorce, you should meet with a California divorce attorney as soon as possible to discuss the matter. Your divorce lawyer can help you evaluate your case and plan for your needs today and in the future.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger are experienced California divorce attorneys who can help you during and after your case. We assist clients along California’s Northern to Southern Coast, including San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Marin, San Jose, Gold River, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura/Oxnard, and surrounding communities. Call us at 415-293-8314 to schedule a private appointment or visit our website.