Nov 14, 2013

When you are considering getting divorce or know you're about to go through a divorce, its important to understand what to expect. There are a lot of possibilities and things that need to be covered. Here's a quick checklist to help you prepare.

The Children

If children are involved, you have to consider a few specific things including:

• Custodial arrangements - Sole, Joint Physical and Joint Legal
• Child Support
• Visitation
• Change of Domicile
• Parenting Time
• Medical expenses
• College Savings

It's vital to discuss these items with both your lawyer and your spouse or spouse's lawyer.
The children will certainly be affected by the divorce and it may also be important to discuss some type of therapy or divorce care for them.

Money and Assets

Another huge part of any divorce is splitting up the money and the assets. Make sure you consider all of the following:

• Filing taxes
• Property division
• Investments
• Debts
• Retirement accounts
• Personal Property
• Vehicles
• Premarital Property
• Inheritances
• Gifts
• Medical Insurance
• Hidden assets
• Attorney Fees
• Counseling fees

These and anything else that falls under this category should be discussed with your lawyer. Many assets can be very sensitive to discuss and it's a good idea to have someone else there mediating the discussion.

Other items to consider during a divorce include:

• Restraining orders
• Restoration of your maiden name
• Protection clauses
• Provisions for reviewing specific parts of the agreement

Any other items unique to your situation need to be discussed with your attorney.

It may also be important to discuss some type of therapy and/or divorce care for you and your spouse. This is an important part of helping you heal after the divorce is final.

Make sure to consider each and every one of the items listed above, along with anything else unique to your divorce. This process isn't easy, but sometimes it's necessary and you should be prepared for what to expect.